Conservation strategies for understanding and combating the primate bushmeat trade on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. Issue 11 (7th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cronin, Drew T.; Sesink Clee, Paul R.; Mitchell, Matthew W.; Bocuma Meñe, Demetrio; Fernández, David; Riaco, Cirilo; Fero Meñe, Maximiliano; Esara Echube, Jose Manuel; Hearn, Gail W.; Gonder, Mary Katherine
• Other Names: Blair Mary E. guestEditor.; Le Minh D. guestEditor.; Sterling Eleanor J. guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: American journal of primatology. Volume 79:Issue 11(2017:Nov.)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-04-07
• Subjects: Bioko -- bushmeat -- conservation -- ecological niche models -- hunting -- red colobus; Primates -- Periodicals; Primates -- Périodiques; 599.8
• DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22663
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0275-2565

Abstract

Abstract : Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea is among the important places in Africa for the conservation of primates, but a cultural preference for bushmeat and a lack of effective law enforcement has encouraged commercial bushmeat hunting, threatening the survival of the remaining primate population. For over 13 years, we collected bushmeat market data in the Malabo market, recording over 35, 000 primate carcasses, documenting "mardi gras" consumption patterns, seasonal carcass availability, and negative effects resulting from government intervention. We also conducted forest surveys throughout Bioko's two protected areas in order to localize and quantify primate populations and hunting pressure. Using these data, we were able to document the significant negative impact bushmeat hunting had on monkey populations, estimate which species are most vulnerable to hunting, and develop ecological niche models to approximate the distribution of each of Bioko's diurnal primate species. These results also have allowed for the identification of primate hotspots, such as the critically important southwest region of the Gran Caldera Scientific Reserve, and thus, priority areas for conservation on Bioko, leading to more comprehensive conservation recommendations. Current and future efforts now focus on bridging the gap between investigators and legislators in order to develop and effectively implement a management plan for Bioko's Gran Caldera Scientific Reserve and to develop a targeted educational campaign to reduce demand by changing consumer attitudes toward bushmeat. Using this multidisciplinary approach, informed by biological, socioeconomic, and cultural research, there may yet be a positive future for the primates of Bioko. Abstract : We summarize results from multifaceted primate conservation efforts on Bioko Island, detail the negative impact bushmeat hunting has had on primate populations, and discuss what strategies have worked and how we should move forward.