Bushmeat exploitation, the hunting and consumption of wild animals for food, has significant ecological and conservation ramifications. This study examines the impacts of bushmeat exploitation on biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, and conservation efforts. Through field surveys, ecological assessments, and socio-economic analyses, we investigate the drivers and consequences of bushmeat trade in various ecosystems. Results reveal the depletion of key wildlife species, disruption of trophic interactions, and loss of ecosystem services due to unsustainable hunting practices. Moreover, bushmeat exploitation threatens the long-term viability of endangered species and undermines conservation initiatives. We discuss the implications of these findings for wildlife management, sustainable livelihoods, and biodiversity conservation strategies.

Bushmeat exploitation, ecological impacts, conservation

Bifarin, J.O., M.E. Ajibola and A.A. Fadiyimu, 2008. Analysis of marketing bush meat in Idanre local government area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Afr. J. Agric. Res., 3: 667-671.

Tanko, D., L.M. David, I.M.K. Gadzama and T.G. Sule, 2014. Commercial bushmeat production: A case study of bushmeat markets in Chikun local government area, Kaduna state, Nigeria. Ecophilia, 2: 9-18.

Lindsey, P.A., C.P. Havemann, R.M. Lines, A.E. Price and T.A. Retief et al., 2013. Benefits of wildlife-based land uses on private lands in Namibia and limitations affecting their development. Oryx, 47: 41-53.

Lindsey, P.A., S.S. Romanach, S. Matema, C. Matema, I. Mupamhadzi and J. Muvengwi, 2011. Dynamics and underlying causes of illegal bushmeat trade in Zimbabwe. Oryx, 45: 84-95.

Becker, M., R. McRobb, F. Watson, E. Droge, B. Kanyembo, J. Murdoch and C. Kakumbi, 2013. Evaluating wire-snare poaching trends and the impacts of by-catch on elephants and large carnivores. Biol. Conserv., 158: 26-36.

Nasi, R., A. Taber and N. van Vliet, 2011. Empty forests, empty stomachs? Bushmeat and livelihoods in the Congo and Amazon Basins. Int. For. Rev., 13: 355-368.

Heywood, V., 2013. Overview of Agricultural Biodiversity and its Contribution to Nutrition and Health. In: Diversifying Food and Diets: Using Agricultural Biodiversity to Improve Nutrition and Health, Fanzo, J., D. Hunter, T. Borelli and F. Mattei (Eds.). Chapter 2, Earthscan, London, UK., ISBN-13: 9780203127261, pp: 35-67.

ABCG and BCTF., 2004. Food security and conservation in Africa: Addressing hunger and farming issues to conserve wildlife. Africa Biodiversity Collaborative Group (ABCG) and Bushmeat Crisis Task Force (BCTF) Meeting Notes, USA.

Barnett, R., 2000. Food for Thought: The Utilization of Wild Meat in Eastern and Southern Africa. TRAFIC East and South Africa, Nairobi, Kenya, ISBN: 9966-9698-0-2, Pages: 263.

Soaga, J.A., A. Shotuyo, O.O. Oduntan and J.G. Fatoki, 2014. Economic analysis of bushmeat trade in Abeokuta, Ogun State. J. Agric. Sci. Environ., 14: 97-108.