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Regional patterns of wild animal hunting in African tropical forests

Author

Listed:
  • Daniel J. Ingram

    (University of Stirling
    University of Kent
    University of Sussex)

  • Graden Z. L. Froese

    (Nsombou Abalghe-Dzal Association
    Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique
    Duke University)

  • Daire Carroll

    (University of Gothenburg
    Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre)

  • Paul C. Bürkner

    (TU Dortmund University)

  • Fiona Maisels

    (University of Stirling
    Wildlife Conservation Society)

  • Ajonina S. Abugiche

    (Canada-Cameroon Ape Network)

  • Sophie Allebone-Webb

    (Ecosec)

  • Andrew Balmford

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Daniel Cornelis

    (CIRAD
    CIRAD)

  • Marc Dethier

    (Sahara Conservation)

  • Edmond Dounias

    (IRD)

  • Herbert G. Ekodeck

    (Wildlife Conservation Society)

  • Charles A. Emogor

    (University of Cambridge
    University of Cambridge
    Wildlife Conservation Society)

  • Julia E. Fa

    (Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF)
    Manchester Metropolitan University)

  • Davy Fonteyn

    (CIRAD
    CIRAD)

  • Andrea Ghiurghi

    (AGRECO G.E.I.E)

  • Elizabeth Greengrass

    (Independent researcher)

  • Noëlle F. Kümpel

    (BirdLife International)

  • Karen Lupo

    (Southern Methodist University)

  • Jonas Muhindo

    (Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF))

  • Germain Ngandjui

    (Independent consultant)

  • Gracia Dorielle Ngohouani

    (Wildlife Conservation Society
    Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF))

  • François Sandrin

    (Wildlife Conservation Society
    Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF))

  • Judith Schleicher

    (University of Oxford
    Gesellschaft für International Zusammenarbeit GMBH)

  • Dave N. Schmitt

    (Southern Methodist University)

  • Liliana Vanegas

    (Wildlife Conservation Society
    Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF))

  • Hadrien P. A. Vanthomme

    (CIRAD
    CIRAD)

  • Nathalie van Vliet

    (Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF))

  • Adam S. Willcox

    (University of Tennessee)

  • Donald Midoko Iponga

    (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique)

  • Della Kemalasari

    (Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF))

  • Usman Muchlish

    (Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF)
    The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB))

  • Robert Nasi

    (Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF))

  • Yahya Sampurna

    (Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF))

  • Francis Nchembi Tarla

    (Central African Bushmeat Action Group)

  • Jasmin Willis

    (Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF)
    University of Oxford)

  • Jӧrn P. W. Scharlemann

    (University of Sussex
    Independent researcher)

  • Katharine Abernethy

    (University of Stirling
    Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique)

  • Lauren Coad

    (University of Sussex
    Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF)
    University of Oxford)

Abstract

Wildlife contributes to the diets, livelihoods and socio-cultural activities of people worldwide; however, unsustainable hunting is a major pressure on wildlife. Regional assessments of the factors associated with hunting offtakes are needed to understand the scale and patterns of wildlife exploitation relevant for policy. We synthesized 83 studies across West and Central Africa to identify the factors associated with variation in offtake. Our models suggest that offtake per hunter per day is greater for hunters who sell a greater proportion of their offtake; among non-hunter-gatherers; and in areas that have better forest condition, are closer to protected areas and are less accessible from towns. We present evidence that trade and gun hunting have increased since 1991 and that areas more accessible from towns and with worse forest condition may be depleted of larger-bodied wildlife. Given the complex factors associated with regional hunting patterns, context-specific hunting management is key to achieving a sustainable future.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel J. Ingram & Graden Z. L. Froese & Daire Carroll & Paul C. Bürkner & Fiona Maisels & Ajonina S. Abugiche & Sophie Allebone-Webb & Andrew Balmford & Daniel Cornelis & Marc Dethier & Edmond Dounia, 2025. "Regional patterns of wild animal hunting in African tropical forests," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 8(2), pages 202-214, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natsus:v:8:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1038_s41893-024-01494-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41893-024-01494-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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