Hunting for the bushmeat trade

Hunting to supply the commercial bushmeat trade is widespread and wildlife populations across much of Cross River State have been largely extirpated outsideof the national park and other protected areas. Bushmeat is a highly valuedcommodity in Nigeria and the bushmeat trade has already decimated populations of large mammals in the forests of Cross River State. Most hunting occurs to supply the commercial bushmeat trade, rather than for subsistenceuse, and most species sold are rodents and duikers (indicating depletion oflarger game species). Unfortunately, there is little or no control of the bushmeat trade and even species that are supposed to be fully protected by law,such as elephant and chimpanzee, may be sold as bushmeat.