Illegal Hunting Results to Major Decline in Wildlife Populations in Mozambique

Illegal Hunting Results to Major Decline in Wildlife Populations in Mozambique

A new TRAFFIC study finds that illegal hunting and the bushmeat trade have resulted in a major decline in wildlife populations in Central Mozambique, significantly undermining potential for viable wildlife-based land uses and resulting in the loss of a traditional source of protein for local communities.

The study of Coutada 9 found that wildlife populations in the 4,450 square km protected area in Manica province are currently less than 10% of what the area could support, with several species, including rhinoceroses, Roan Antelopes African Wild Dogs locally extirpated through illegal hunting.

Significantly reducing such illegal hunting and allowing wildlife populations to recover would allow the generation of significant economic benefits through trophy hunting and potentially ecotourism. In addition, an additional 86 tons of wild meat could be generated from Coutada 9, if hunting was limited to regulated harvesting based on a quota system.

“The implications for the food security of local people are obvious, while restoring wildlife populations would have clear conservation benefits too,” said David Newton, Director of TRAFFIC’s East and Southern Africa program.

According to the report, “Illegal hunting and the bushmeat trade in Central Mozambique,” illegal hunting over time is now costing local communities an estimated USD308,000 per year in lost opportunities, while the current annual cost of anti-poaching measures in Coutada 9 amounts to USD60,000.

Illegal hunting is indiscriminate and the gin traps used kill females, young animals and non-target species. Predators seem particularly affected, and numerous cases of lions lacking toes or even whole paws have been observed.

The estimated annual loss of potential income from safari hunting totals USD1.62 million per year.

Posted by George Daniels on Saturday May 12 2012, 3:05 AM EST. Ref: TRAFFIC. Link. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0