Bushmeat's dual role: threatened species face off against nutrition and culture

Deforestation, habitat destruction, climate change, and other man-made forces are threatening species around the world. But, often overlooked, overhunting is a rising peril to many animals. On the other hand, bushmeat hunting also helps provide vital protein in rural tropical regions and is an important cultural rite for many indigenous tribes. Thus, there is a dual challenge of maintaining food security for forest-dependent populations and ensuring wildlife conservation.

A recent study by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) analyzed the nutritional, economic, and cultural value of bushmeat, which they define as "non-domesticated terrestrial mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians harvested for food," in the tri-region of Brazil, Peru and Colombia.

The study concludes that bushmeat and fish are not the primary source of protein for urban people but instead industrial chicken and canned meats. However, households that do consume bushmeat obtain more iron nutrients and less fat and salt.


Read more:  http://news.mongabay.com/2015/0306-montoro-bushmeat-nature-culture.html