Hunting techniques and their harvest as indicators of mammal diversity and threat in Northern Angola

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Nele Teutloff - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Paulina Meller - , University of Hamburg (Author)
  • Manfred Finckh - , University of Hamburg (Author)
  • Almeida Segredo Cabalo - , University of Kimpa Vita (Author)
  • Guedes Jose Ramiro - , University of Kimpa Vita (Author)
  • Christoph Neinhuis - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Thea Lautenschlaeger - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)

Abstract

Over-exploitation of wildlife especially bushmeat trade is the second most important threat to animal biodiversity. This also applies to Northern Angola but data on bushmeat and hunting techniques for this region are rare. Therefore, we study the most common hunting techniques, frequently captured species, and their economic value, and discuss the local resource use in relation to Angolan law and urgent global crises like the loss of biodiversity, the food supply in South African countries, and the risk of zoonoses. We recorded bushmeat hunting in 27 localities in the province of Uige, accompanied hunters along their snare lines and interviewed additional 20 locals. Seven main types of snares and traps and their characteristics were defined. Hunters own on average 92 +/- 128.7 snares and traps and capture about 25.3 +/- 23.6 animals monthly. In total, respondents recognized 28 species of mammals of which one is considered as extinct and two as very rare. The majority of recorded species are hunted regularly. Rodents are most commonly caught followed by primates and duikers. Harvesting rates decrease with species' body size, leading to high economic value of and achievable prices for rare, large animals. Overall, our results document the hunting pressure on mammals and the persisting popularity of bushmeat in Northern Angola which poses an imminent threat to remaining mammal populations. Moreover, it endangers ecosystem integrity, rural livelihoods, and human health through the risk of new zoonoses. Our findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable solutions. The Angolan government should play a more active role in enforcing existing hunting legislation to reduce illegal bushmeat trade.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number101
Number of pages16
JournalEuropean journal of wildlife research
Volume67
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2021
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85118729372

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • AFRICAN RAIN-FOREST, Angolan legislation, BUSHMEAT CONSUMPTION, Biodiversity crisis, Bushmeat, FOOD, GABON, IMPACTS, MAP, MEAT, Snares and traps, Socio-ecological conflict, WILDLIFE, Zoonoses

Library keywords