Dr. Vivienne Williams from Wits University, will present a Department of Biological Science seminar entitled, "A Roaring trade?" where she will share her insights into wildlife life trade, specifically lions.

The use and trade in wildlife for traditional medicine can be an emotive issue that straddles cultures, commerce, conservation, ‘sustainable’ utilization and peoples’ livelihoods – especially where charismatic fauna are involved. Trade is also a multi-billion rand ‘hidden economy’ that spans continents and a diverse array of role-players. The pan-African trade in lion derivatives, and of lion skeletons since 2008 to East-Southeast Asia, are particularly contentious issues. A critical question that always emerges is: what factors initiate and drive trade? The presentation will explore aspects of the pan-African trade in traditional medicines, and one of the biggest bones of contention of them all – lions.