Wildlife Trade

Warthogs and Bush Meat Pressure

Warthogs are heavily hunted for bush meat across sub-Saharan Africa, often using methods that cause prolonged suffering.

Key Facts

Warthogs are a primary target for bush meat hunters due to their size and relative accessibility
Snaring is the most common hunting method and causes prolonged suffering before death or discovery
Trapped warthogs may remain in snares for days, suffering dehydration, injury, and predator attacks
Snare surveys estimate over 90 million snares are set across sub-Saharan Africa annually
Anti-snaring patrols and community engagement programs have reduced snaring pressure in protected areas

Welfare Considerations

Death by snare is prolonged and painful. Warthogs caught in snares struggle, causing laceration and exhaustion, and may remain caught for days before death. The scale of snaring across Africa means this is one of the most numerically significant sources of wild mammal suffering on the continent.

What You Can Do

Support anti-snaring patrol operations in East and Southern African protected areas
Donate to organizations including African Wildlife Foundation and Space for Giants that fund snare removal teams
Advocate for community livelihood programs that reduce economic dependence on bush meat hunting