Primate Bushmeat and Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

The bushmeat trade in primates causes extreme welfare harm and threatens species survival while serving important food security functions in some communities.

Key Facts

Chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, and hundreds of other primate species are hunted for bushmeat
The Central African bushmeat trade processes an estimated 5 million tons of meat annually
Bushmeat provides critical protein nutrition for millions of people in forest communities
Snares used for bushmeat hunting cause prolonged suffering in captured animals
The global ape population has declined by over 60% primarily due to habitat loss and hunting

Welfare Considerations

Primate bushmeat hunting causes acute suffering through snare injuries, transport in confined conditions, and slaughter methods. Our close evolutionary relationship with primates means they experience pain, fear, and loss in ways that are recognizable and profound. The conservation and welfare issues intersect with genuine human food security needs, making simple solutions inadequate. Approaches that provide alternative protein sources, strengthen hunting regulations for threatened species, and engage communities are more likely to succeed than prohibition alone.

What You Can Do

Support organizations providing alternative protein sources in bushmeat-dependent communities
Donate to anti-poaching enforcement in critical primate habitat
Advocate for international funding of community conservation programs in range states
Support primate sanctuary organizations caring for rescued bushmeat trade survivors
Learn about the complexity of bushmeat as a conservation and welfare issue