While most of the aforementioned species were killed because of traditional medicine, here's one animal which has to bear the brunt of traditional beliefs - the water buffalo. It is believed that sacrificing a buffalo to the deity brings about prosperity, luck, and even rain at times. Animal slaughter--in the garb of religious and cultural traditions--is carried out in many parts of the world, though the occurrence is relatively more rampant in Asia and Africa.
In Nepal alone, thousands of buffaloes are killed at the Gadhimai festival held once every 5 years. The event is attended by around 5 million people from Nepal and India, who believe that pleasing the goddess would help them prosper and ward off evil. Ritual sacrifice of the species is a common occurrence in India as well. Every year, hundreds of buffaloes--among other animals--are sacrificed to the goddess Kamakhya in Assam, India.