Wild Primates and Bushmeat Trade

The commercial bushmeat trade kills millions of primates annually across Central and West Africa, decimating populations and causing immense suffering through crude hunting methods.

Key Facts

Primates are among the most traded bushmeat species in Central Africa
Wire snares cause prolonged suffering before death or rescue
Infant primates are often kept alive for sale as pets when mothers are killed
Bushmeat trade is estimated to remove 1-5 million tons of wildlife from Congo Basin annually
Great ape populations have declined 80% in some regions due to bushmeat hunting

Welfare Considerations

Snares used in bushmeat hunting catch animals indiscriminately and hold them in pain for hours or days. Many primates — beings with high cognitive complexity — experience fear, pain, and distress before dying. Orphaned infants face trauma, malnutrition, and psychological suffering in the pet trade. The welfare dimensions of bushmeat hunting are often overshadowed by conservation framing, but the individual suffering involved is profound and demands attention alongside population-level concerns.

What You Can Do

Support organizations providing protein-alternative livelihood programs in affected communities
Fund sanctuary programs for rescued bushmeat trade survivors
Advocate for enforcement of wildlife trade laws in range countries
Never purchase primate pets or products derived from wild primates
Engage with conservation organizations that incorporate welfare into bushmeat research