Jin Qian
PhD researcher in environmental policy
Speaker
(she/her)
About: Jin is a PhD researcher in environmental policy at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. Her research focuses on the intersections of wildlife farming, food production, and animal ethics in contemporary China, with a focus on amphibians and reptiles. Through ethnographic research, she explores how post-COVID governance has reshaped the treatment and visibility of these often-overlooked animals in the global food system.
Presentation — Beyond Fur and Feathers: The Rise of Amphibian and Reptile Farming in China
While global animal advocacy has made major strides for mammals and birds, amphibians and reptiles remain largely absent from the conversation. In this talk, I explore the rise of industrial farming of frogs, turtles, and salamanders in China—a growing sector shaped by conservation policy, consumer demand, and shifting definitions of “wildness.” Drawing on ethnographic research, I show how these animals are commodified, regulated, and rendered invisible—despite their sentience and ecological importance. This talk challenges us to expand the moral and strategic scope of animal advocacy beyond fur and feathers.
