A new report from the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB) and partners warns that an upsurge in hunting bushmeat in tropical forests—including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians — is unsustainable and that it poses a serious threat to the food security of poor inhabitants of forests in Africa, who rely largely on bushmeat for protein.

The authors of the report call on policy makers to protect endangered species, while allowing sustainable hunting of “common” game. They warn that blanket bans on hunting and trade that don’t discriminate between specific local species and contexts are bound to fail.

According to the report – “Conservation and Use of Wildlife-Based Resources: The Bushmeat Crisis” - large mammal species are particularly vulnerable. Many – such as elephants, gorillas and other primate species - have already become locally extinct, while fast reproducing generalist species that thrive in agricultural environments—such as duikers or rodents—are likely to prove more resilient.

Researchers estimate that the current harvest of bushmeat in Central Africa amounts to more than 1 million tonnes annually—the equivalent of almost four million head of cattle – while bushmeat provides up to 80 percent of the protein intake for rural diets in Central Africa.

“If current levels of hunting persist in Central Africa, bushmeat protein supplies will fall dramatically, and a significant number of forest mammals will become extinct in less than 50 years,” said Robert Nasi of CIFOR, an author of the report.

The report sums up the latest state of knowledge on this controversial issue and makes a strong case for developing a regulated and legalised bushmeat industry to ensure that the poorest forest dwellers can continue to access this vital source of protein and livelihoods, but in a more sustainable way.

The report notes that it is important to make a clear distinction between commercial entrepreneurs, who engage in what they know to be an illicit activity, and poor rural people, for whom bushmeat represents both animal protein and a cash-earning commodity.

“If local people are guaranteed the benefits of sustainable land use and hunting practices, they will be willing to invest in sound management and negotiate selective hunting regimes,” said Frances Seymour, Director General of CIFOR. “Sustainable management of bushmeat resources requires bringing the sector out into the open, removing the stigma of illegality, and including wild meat consumption in national statistics and planning.”

“Reframing the bushmeat problem from one of international animal welfare to one of sustainable livelihoods—and part of the global food crisis—might be a good place to start,” she added.

Story by Jeff Haskins, Burness Communications

Web link http://www.cifor.cgiar.org/PressRoom/MediaRelease/2008/2008_09_16.htm