Viagra’s Impact on Wildlife

The introduction of the little blue pill, Viagra, by Pfizer was a revolutionary step which changed the sexual life of many couples for the better. The drug is used not only to treat sexual impotency in men addressing problems such as premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, but studies are also on to figure out whether the pill has any positive impact on women. Since the drug aids the flow of blood into the genital area, research is going on to find the impact of Viagra on women who have sexual problems. Initial reports regarding the impact of Viagra are encouraging with the effects of the drug being seen in the sexual satisfaction of women. However, the pill is also incapable of helping out women who suffer from psychological blocks regarding sex and have difficulty in sexual arousal.

Traditional medicine has always tried to address the problems of sexual nature. There are many plants and animal parts which are known to aid sexual function. Plants and plant extracts such as cloves, almonds, plantains, devils thorns and strawberries are traditionally known to have aphrodisiac qualities. On the other hand, traditional drugs addressing the problem of impotency and lack of arousal generally use animal parts which are often sourced from endangered species as ingredients. Harp seal genitals, rhinoceros and tiger parts are some of the many animal parts which are (traditionally) known to help in improving sexual function and in assisting male virility. With the introduction of the medicine, animal protection groups as well as conservationists were hopeful that the wide availability of the drug would wean away many users of traditional anti-impotency drugs towards the new drug.

There are many animals which are facing extinction due to uncontrolled poaching. To top the problem, many (parts of) animals on the list of endangered species are traditionally known to have aphrodisiac effects. The conservation of such animals becomes a tough task with some countries legalizing the poaching of animals for use in medicines. In countries where poaching of animals is prohibited, the problem is not fully addressed since these nations have to face the problem of illegal poaching and trade of animal parts.

The introduction of Viagra has given a new lease of life to these endangered species and reduced the market for animal parts greatly. Analysis of figures shows that the trade in some animal parts has fallen as drastically as 70% in some cases. We can almost say that Viagra’s impact on wildlife has been great since the drug is cheaper than most of the medicines sourced from endangered animals. Also, the impact is immediate, effective and pronounced.

The sales of Alaskan reindeer antlers fell by around 70% within a gap of just three years. Seals have also been able to escape the poacher’s weapons, all thanks to Viagra. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans in Canada has recorded a sharp decline in the market for Harp seal penises with the prices (per organ) dropping to $15 from $100. All that can be said for the time being is that despite not being able to completely stop the demand for the parts of endangered species, Viagra has been a godsend for wildlife in general and wildlife conservation in particular.