Illegal Hunting and Bushmeat Trade around Save Valley Conservancy

Globally, illegal bushmeat hunting has contributed to the decline of over 300 species listed as threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and accounts for an estimated 5 million tons of wildlife harvested annually, particularly in tropical regions, placing immense pressure on biodiversity. Despite its recognized conservation threat, limited information exists on the bushmeat trade dynamics in sub-Saharan African savannas. This study conducted interviews with 133 illegal hunters and 40 anti-poaching field rangers in Southeastern Zimbabwe, using semi-structured questionnaires. We explored the characteristics, motivations, methods, species targeted, and perceptions of wildlife law enforcement in Save Valley Conservancy (SVC). Overall, illegal bushmeat hunting in SVC is mainly done by less educated and unemployed young to middle aged men (15-40 years old). The motives behind illegal bushmeat hunting mainly included household consumption (96%), the desire to raise income (96%), unemployment (78%), retaliation for wildlife induced losses (62%), culture (29%) and poor benefit sharing (8%). The common hunting methods reported were hunting with dogs (87%), and snaring (65%). Targeted animal species included impala (96%), wildebeest (53%), eland (53%), African buffalo (51%) among other 12 animal species. Illegal bushmeat hunting was generally conducted all year round. The law enforcement penalties were considered less deterrent, and most of the hunters intended to continue with illegal hunting. Measures suggested to minimize illegal bushmeat hunting in the SVC included investing and strengthening wildlife law enforcement, provision of community conservation-based incentives and enhancing environmental education and awareness.