Getting Bushmeat on the Tables
Newsletter: Volume1, Issue 2 - August 2004
Liberia contains two of the three largest tracts of remaining
forest in the Upper Guinea Forest of West Africa. Once covered
in its entirety by rainforest, Liberia retains 35% of its total
forest cover. This compares to the less than 10% remaining in
neighboring countries. Because its forests house a number of species
of conservation concern, Liberia is considered a global conservation
priority.
 While
habitat loss is considered the greatest long-term threat to wildlife,
many believe that the over-harvest of wildlife may be the most
immediate threat to the survival of many species. A study conducted
in 1989 found that Liberians have one of the highest consumption
rates for bushmeat (meat from wild animals) of any nation in Africa.
The annual harvest was valued at $66 million. This was more than
three times the income generated by the timber industry in Liberia
at that time. Yet, the timber harvest has always taken precedence
over wildlife management in Liberia's list of environmental priorities.
FPI is attempting to change this view.
Earlier this year Reg Hoyt authored a Wildlife Policy Briefing
for the Overseas Development Institute (http://www.odi-bushmeat.org/download_files/wpb6.pdf)
outlining the biological and social impact of the bushmeat trade
in Liberia, while also providing some recommended actions to manage
the harvest and trade.
During Reg's recent visit to Liberia, with FPI Board member Dr.
Richard Nisbett, numerous meetings were held with governmental
officials to distribute the policy briefing and to discuss the
bushmeat issue. Reg and Richard found that there is a growing
understanding of the biological and economic impacts of Liberia's
wildlife harvest, and a recognition that action must be taken.
FPI is committed to working with the government of Liberia, other
conservation organizations, and the people of Liberia to find
practical means of controlling the wildlife harvest.
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