The value of a long-term bushmeat market dataset as an indicator of system dynamics

Abstract

SUMMARYData on prices and quantities of wildlife on sale in markets are increasingly being used as indicators of the sustainability of bushmeat hunting, being relatively easy to collect. However, it is not clear how much can actually be inferred from trends in such data. This study analyses changes in price, quantity, method of capture and kill location of bushmeat species entering the Atwemonom bushmeat market in the city of Kumasi (Ghana) over the period 1987−2002, using data collected by an official of the Ghana Wildlife Department. The analysis was confined to the seven most commonly traded species and to the open season only, in order to maximize the reliability of the data. Over the period, there was an increase in real bushmeat prices, in the proportion of animals killed by means other than guns and the trade made up by grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus). A higher proportion of animals originated from distant areas, rather than from villages close to Kumasi. These trends are compatible both with depletion of the bushmeat resource and with an economically rational response by hunters to increasing prices. The analysis highlights both the utility and the limitations of detailed long-term market data as a tool for assessing the sustainability of wildlife hunting. Data on the origin of animals sold in the market and the gear type are necessary but not sufficient for understanding the drivers of changes in price and quantity of species on sale in markets; without complementary detailed local data on hunter behaviour, market data are of little value.

Trends in bushmeat trade in a postconflict forest town: implications for food security

“…As opposed to other bushmeat market trend studies available for tropical forests in Africa portraying depletion or postdepletion scenarios (Cowlishaw et al 2005, Crookes et al 2005, our analysis shows an ambiguous picture of the sustainability of bushmeat supply and hence its potential long-term contribution to future food security. We observed a decrease in daily biomass, the increase in rodent's contribution to total biomass, the decrease in fresh bushmeat as compared to smoked bushmeat.…”

“…Market data can be used to understand the contribution of bushmeat to food security in terms of availability and prices by comparison with other sources of animal protein (fish, domestic animals, and caterpillars). In addition, trends on bushmeat trade derived from market data have been commonly used to assess the long-term sustainability of the supply (Juste et al 1995, Brashares et al 2004, Albrechtsen et al 2005, Cowlishaw et al 2005, Crookes et al 2005, Wilkie et al 2005, de Merode and Cowlishaw 2006, Fa et al 2006, Brugiere and Magassouba 2009.…”

“…A decrease in mean daily biomass could either indicate a decrease in supply (because of depletion over the catchment areas [Fa et al 2000, Crookes et al 2005, Albrechtsen et al 2007] or transportation constraints) or indicate a decrease in demand, for example, because of the competition with other sources of protein (Cowlishaw et al 2005). …”

The bushmeat market in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo: implications for conservation and food security

“…However, as concluded by Crookes et al (2005), indicators measured at the market level should be supplemented with information about other processes, including stock depletion, economic behaviour by consumers, traders and hunters, and gear selectivity, to infer conclusions about the sustainability of the trade. When combined with longitudinal information from along the supply chain (wildlife populations, hunters, traders and consumers) and with information about the political, social, economic and ecological context, market data are a key element to inform decision making.…”

Cetacean By-Catch in the Korean Peninsula—by Chance or by Design?

“…Assuming whale meat is a normal good, a by-catch tax would increase the price of meat and provide a flexible and responsive mechanism that can control the financial incentive for intentional by-catch should this be considered appropriate (Milner-Gulland and Clayton 2002;Rowcliffe et al 2003;Cowlishaw et al 2005;Crookes et al 2005). The tax rate itself would be a political decision, and we would propose that revenues raised should be reinvested in a local community fund and used to provide fishermen with equipment such as 'pingers' which will help avoid accidental and costly whale entanglements with fishing nets.…”