Prayer animal release in Taiwan

In east Asia, people believe that one can accrue merits by freeing captive animals into the wild as a form of prayer to the gods. This practice is cal led "prayer animal release." When organized by temples, normally a large nu mber of animals are involved and are referred to as "ceremonial animal rele ases". Prayer animals are supplied by pst stores which obtain them from dea lers or trappers. Both local and exotic species may be released. The scope and ecological impact of animal releases, especially when involving exotic species, have not been carefully monitored before. In Taiwan, we conducted a questionnaire survey in Taipei and found that 29.5% of the people of all religions participate in prayer animal releases. Women with lower education , who are financially well-off and who believe that released animals can su rvive in the wild? are most likely to participate in ceremonial animal rele ases. Ceremonial animal release is also practiced in Malaysia, Thailand, Ca mbodia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Korea. Education programs targeted at speci fic social groups are needed to reduce the extent of ceremonial animal rele ases. Proper regulation of international wild animal trade is also needed t o curtail the spread of exotic animals in Taiwan and other countries in the region. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.