ABSTRACT

 Bush meat has traditionally been a natural protein source for people in west and central Africa. However, bush meat hunting and trade has become a widespread commercial activity with serious negative consequences on wildlifepopulations. Thus, this study assess the market dynamics of bush meat species in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria. Data were obtained through semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussion from hunters and bush meat sellers in Ikwuano communities. The study population is comprised offorty (40) hunters and eighty (80) bush meat sellers/consumers. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics, net profit function and Pearson correlation coefficient. The results reveal that age group 26 — 35 recorded the highest for hunters (37.5%) and bush meat sellers (32.5%), while the least age group 18 — 25 recorded (12.5%>) for hunter and (15%>) for bush meat sellers. The study identifiedfifteen (15) bush meat species; ten (10) mammals, two (2) reptiles, two (2) birds and one (1) mollusk. The bush meat trade, channeling from the hunters through sellers to the ultimate consumers was profitable. According to findings, 66.25%) of all the respondents indicated that they get their bush meat from local hunters and 31.25%) of the respondent’s sourcesfor bush meat are met through personal hunting. Instrument usedfor hunting includes gun, gin trap, wire trap, net and dogs. Majority of the respondents (42.5%>) come about hunting through inheritancefrom parents andpersonal guidance. This confirms hunting as traditional exercise inherited by the male child from their father or community. Others claimed to come about hunting through personal interest (32.5%) and training (25%). Four (4)factors influenced the consumption ofbush meat in the area and majority ofthe respondents (28.75%) attributed their consumption to bush meat arefi-ee from inorganic substances. There was a moderatelypositive correlation between price ofbush meat and consumer preference, although the relationship was not statistically significant at P-value > 0.5, r (13) = .399, p > .141. Bush meat trade was identified to be a profitable business in the area. The trade wasfacedwith several constraints, amongst all seasonality, climatic problem and perishability of the bush meat ranked 1”, 2"d and 3rd respectively. Therefore, to curb the pressure of wildlife hunting in the area, it is necessary to increase ecological awareness, environmental education, strengthening law enforcement and also developing ways to reduce human-wildlife conflicts in order to effectively minimize effects ofintense hunting of the wildlifepopulation.