Bushmeat

African brush-tailed porcupine sold for meat in Cameroon

Bushmeat

Bushmeat, also known by the terms wildmeat and game meat, specifically denotes the flesh of non-domesticated mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds that are hunted primarily for consumption in tropical forests. These animals, while a traditional source of food in many regions, are now at the center of a global controversy due to the environmental and ecological consequences associated with extensive bushmeat hunting.

Hunted Silky Sifakas

Background and Trade

While bushmeat hunting has been a traditional practice in many tropical regions, especially in West Africa and Central Africa, it has grown significantly in scale. At the turn of the 21st century, estimates suggest that the bushmeat trade in West and Central Africa reached a staggering 1-5 million tonnes annually. This expansion is driven not only by local consumption but also by urban markets and international demand.

Gabon Bushmeat

Environmental and Conservation Concerns

The burgeoning bushmeat trade is posing a significant threat to biodiversity. Over-hunting can lead to a decline in wildlife populations, potentially resulting in the extinction of certain species. Moreover, the removal of a single species can have cascading effects on the ecosystem, altering predator-prey dynamics and affecting plant species due to changes in herbivory patterns.

To counter these negative impacts, many conservation organizations have united to confront the issue of the bushmeat trade. One notable initiative is the formation of the Bushmeat Crisis Task Force. This alliance aims to consolidate efforts from the public sector, professionals, and governments to identify and implement effective solutions to the escalating bushmeat crisis, both within Africa and on a global scale.

Socio-economic Factors

Beyond environmental concerns, the bushmeat trade is also rooted in socio-economic factors. In many regions, hunting provides a source of income for local communities, often in areas where other employment opportunities are limited. Moreover, bushmeat can be an essential source of protein in areas where alternative sources of nutrition are scarce or expensive.

See Also

• Conservation biology
• Wildlife trafficking
• Sustainable hunting

References

Bushmeat Resources
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