Extent and ecological consequences of hunting in Central African rainforests in the twenty-first century

Abstract

One contribution of 18 to a Theme Issue 'Change in African rainforests: past, present and future'.

Learning our Lessons: A Review of Alternative Livelihood Projects in Central Africa

“…The hunting of bushmeat (or wild meat) has been recognized as one of the largest threats to tropical forest biodiversity worldwide (Wilkie et al, 2011;Leverington et al, 2010;Harrisson, 2011;Abernethy et al, 2013), representing a major threat to even remote forest areas (Fa et al, 2002;Abernethy et. al., 2013).…”

Typical edible non-dairy animal products in Africa from local animal resources

“…Most of this meat derives from wild species that are hunted, either legally or illegally (Abernethy et al 2013). A large proportion of hunted species in Africa are terrestrial mammals (Fa and Peres 2001).…”

“…Procolobus pennantii, Procolobus preussi, Cercopithecus dryas) (Taylor et al 2015). Bushmeat hunting is considered one of the major threats for the conservation of these species and also for the conservation of other species, such as predators, due to the reduction of their preys (Abernethy et al 2013). For these reasons, this activity is not considered sustainable for certain species in some geographic areas.…”

Regional Action Plan for the Conservation of Western Lowland Gorillas and Central Chimpanzees 2015–2025

“…The negative impact of this offtake is exacerbated by the fact that over 50% of the human populations in three of the western lowland gorilla and central chimpanzee range countries (Cameroon, Congo and Gabon) lives in towns and cities (UNDP 2014). Large mammals-including great apes-are usually destined for urban bushmeat markets (Kuehl et al 2009;Abernethy et al 2013), where wealthier consumers pay much more per kilo than the people in rural communities can afford (Starkey 2004). …”

“…Loggers and miners tend to view eating bushmeat as their right, thus addressing this widely-occurring form of resource extraction is much more complicated. Building roads and railways is clearly integral to the export of wood and minerals, but such infrastructure brings the commercial bushmeat trade into forests once too isolated for hunting to be practical and profitable (Wilkie et al 2000;Laurance et al 2009;Abernethy et al 2013). …”