9 Controversial Foods Around the World – Dolphin Meat Consumption in Taiwan Makes the List

Reporter Xiao Wanning / Comprehensive Report
 
Many tourists seek out local specialties when visiting different places. However, these dishes often include unique local flora and fauna. In recent years, conservation organizations have issued many warnings, but the consumption

▲Gorillas are becoming increasingly rare in the Congo. (Photo / Getty Images East Asia)

Poulet de Bresse (pronounced similarly to "without")—France
This is a delicacy in France. The bird species is primarily native to Asia but is roasted for consumption in France. It is said to cost around 250 US dollars per bird and is currently nearing extinction. According to estimates by the IUCN, its population has declined by 30% over the past decade. As a result, the French government has explicitly banned its capture.

Shark fin—China
Shark fin has long been a traditional and luxurious ingredient in Chinese cuisine. Aside from Hong Kong, where there is legislation banning the serving of shark fin dishes at banquets, other regions in Asia generally have no such restrictions. Taiwan is currently working to push for related legislation.

Green sea turtle—British Cayman Islands
In the Cayman Islands, the green sea turtle is considered one of the dishes served at state banquets, and the islands are also the only place in the world where it is legally farmed. However, visitors are still advised to avoid eating dishes made with this animal.

▲The poulet de Bresse has been officially banned for consumption in France. (Photo / from CNN)

Pangolin—China
Eating pangolins is illegal everywhere, but China remains the largest consumer. Due to Chinese demand, even African pangolins have been affected. Particularly in Guangdong province, and as recently as recently, China uncovered a smuggling case involving about 956 pangolins weighing 4 tons.

Western long-beaked echidna—Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is one of the main habitats of the western long-beaked echidna, but large-scale hunting for human consumption has led to a risk of extinction. Although the government has banned commercial

▲The green sea turtle is an endangered species in the Cayman Islands. (Photo / Provided by our newspaper archives)

Giant ditch frog — Dominican Republic
This oversized amphibian has seen an 80% decline over the past decade, and its meat still appears on menus in the Dominican Republic. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the giant ditch frog as critically endangered. According to estimates from 2002, only around 8,000 remain.

Gorilla — Republic of the Congo
Gorilla meat has long been popular in the Congo, putting the species at risk of extinction. In the Republic of the Congo, smoked gorilla meat was even openly sold in markets. Even though this practice has been officially banned, many still trade in it.

▲Dolphin meat in Japan is sold under other names. (Photo / Provided by DAGUCHI IMAGE / AP)

Chinese giant salamander — China
Commonly known as the “baby fish,” the Chinese giant salamander is listed as a second-class nationally protected wildlife species under the Wildlife Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China and is considered one of China’s national treasures. Excessive hunting has put their survival in great jeopardy.

Dolphin — Taiwan, Japan
In Japan, dolphin meat is sold under various labels, while in Taiwan, people superstitiously believe that eating dolphin meat can boost health. Although this is illegal in Taiwan, superstition drives strong demand. Doctors point out that there is no basis for the claim that eating dolphin meat has health benefits, and consuming too much may actually lead to “mercury poisoning.” Remember: no buying, no killing.

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