Wild Primate Bushmeat Hunting: Welfare and Conservation Crisis

The bushmeat trade threatens primate populations across Africa and Asia while causing severe welfare harm. This page examines causes, scale, and solutions.

Key Facts

Bushmeat hunting is estimated to remove millions of tonnes of wild animal biomass from African forests annually
Great apes, monkeys, and other primates are among the most valued bushmeat species
Snare injuries cause severe prolonged suffering in primates and other forest animals
The bushmeat crisis is driven by poverty, urban demand, and inadequate protein alternatives
Anti-poaching efforts combined with sustainable livelihood programs show the most promise

Welfare Considerations

Bushmeat hunting causes severe welfare harm to individual animals. Wire snares trap animals by limbs or necks, causing horrific injuries and prolonged suffering before death or rescue. Animals that escape snares often die from wounds or infections. Primates, with their cognitive complexity and social bonds, may experience additional psychological suffering from witnessing deaths of conspecifics. Conservation approaches that ignore welfare are missing an important dimension of the problem. Programs that combine snare removal, ranger support, and livelihood alternatives address both welfare and conservation simultaneously.

What You Can Do

Support organizations working on snare removal and anti-poaching in primate habitats
Donate to programs that provide alternative protein sources in bushmeat-affected communities
Avoid purchasing wildlife products of uncertain origin when travelling
Support habitat protection that reduces human-wildlife conflict
Learn about and share information on the conservation and welfare dimensions of bushmeat