The hunting market – the market hunt: Wild meat in tropical forests

Abstract

Hunting is an important subsistence activity in the Amazon. Wild meat is a source of food and income for extended population sectors, being part of the local economies. Non sustainable extraction of wild meat affects diverse species, even towards extinction. Supply and demand play a key role on the extraction levels of wild meat, having prices a significant influence over hunting levels. Both the market and law enforcement must operate together to guarantee sustainable extraction and wildlife protection. It is urgent to design realistic and applicable wildlife management policies taking into consideration social and economic aspects, monitoring and resource conservation promotion. The objective of this review is to show the problems surrounding wild meat consumption in regions with tropical forests, to highlight the market influence on extraction levels and to systematize information for proper dissemination.