Exploitation Histories of Pangolins and Endemic Pheasants on Hainan Island, China: Baselines and Shifting Social Norms

Overexploitation is a critical threat to the survival of many species. The global demand for wildlife products has attracted considerable research attention, but regional species exploitation histories are more rarely investigated. We interviewed 169 villagers living around seven terrestrial nature reserves on Hainan Island, China, with aim reconstructing historical patterns hunting and consumption local wildlife, including globally threatened Chinese pangolin ( Manis pentadactyla ) peacock-pheasant Polyplectron katsumatae ), from mid-20th century onwards. aimed better understand relationship between these past activities current patterns. Our findings suggest that eating meat was not traditional behaviour in Hainan, prohibited by myths about pangolins. In contrast, activity. However, later attitudes pangolins peacock-pheasants were influenced pro-hunting policies state-run trade 1960s 1980s. These new social norms still shape daily lifestyles perceptions people towards today. Due specific consumption, local-adapted interventions such as promoting substitute choices alternative livelihoods might be effective at tackling habits consuming wild meat. study highlights importance understanding contexts use designing appropriate conservation strategies.