BUSHMEAT CRISIS TASK FORCE

The lush forested areas of central and western Africa are commonly referred to as “the bush.” The diverse forms of wildlife found in the bush- including great apes, elephants, and forest antelope- have long served as a primary food source for the inhabitants of the region. This bushmeat is an important food and trade item for poor families in rural areas, while many residents of urban areas prize bushmeat as a delicacy.

The bushmeat trade has become a major commercial industry, as both demand and availability are ever increasing. Unregulated hunting has wiped out large populations of animals, while uncontrolled logging and mining operations have provided access to the heart of the forest and its inhabitants. Not only does this unchecked consumption threaten animal populations, but it also poses a serious public health risk as many popular bushmeat species, especially primates, can harbor potentially lethal diseases that jump from animal to man, such as AIDS and the Ebola virus.
In 1999, a group of scientists and conservation organizations recognized that the unsustainable, illegal, commercial trade associated with bushmeat consumption was growing to crisis proportions, and founded the Bushmeat Crisis Task Force. The goal of the BCTF is to eliminate illegal commercial bushmeat trade through a global network of information and education. The Oakland Zoo’s support of the BCTF funds programs that raise public awareness of bushmeat issues here, in Africa, and around the world. BCTF works with legislators and commercial interests to help alleviate poverty and find alternative protein sources to solve the bushmeat problem.

 

The Oakland Zoo Bushmeat Efforts:

Grassroots efforts
The Bushmeat Crisis Action Group (BCAG) was formed to explore issues that pertain to the escalating global bushmeat crisis, to bring this issue to the general public, and to identify action that could be taken to help address the crisis. Formed in February 2000, BCAG holds monthly meetings at The Oakland Zoo in Oakland, California. Our members include docents, volunteers, and staff of The Oakland Zoo. BCAG’s efforts complement existing programs and projects undertaken by The Oakland Zoo’s Conservation Department. Our group had two clear goals in the year 2000: to increase public awareness of the bushmeat trade and to support the Great Ape Conservation Acts through a letter writing campaign. That campaign generated over 430 letters. BCAG has established a permanent bushmeat trade station located inside The Oakland Zoo’s Education Building which is accessible to the general public, as well as a portable station in the zoo where posters, brochures, and flyers are displayed.

Our next project was to raise funds and awareness for the Parks Relief Project organized by Dr. Jo Thompson. Our AAZK Chapter and Bushmeat Crisis Action Group raised enough funds to outfit 103 of the 1,600 rangers in DRC. Along with basic medicine, clothing, household goods, anti-poaching equipment, office and school supplies, soap, blankets, and more, all the rangers will have complete uniforms (hat, shirt, trousers, belt, ankle-boots, and four insignia patches). For the first time, the park guards will be wearing the same uniform and have a unifying insignia countrywide.

In 2002, inspired by Dr. Mike Fay, we worked to support the creation of Langoue-Ivindo National Park in Gabon. Through grassroots fundraising efforts we raised and sent $5,000.00 and spread the word about saving this crucial habitat.

The next project focused on supporting bushmeat education efforts in Cameroon. We helped to fund Angelica Agwara, currently employed by CWAF, supported by the Bristol Zoo’s larger efforts. As before, staffed information tables will be part of our special events and “Cookies for Conservation” will be sold at lectures and other venues to raise awareness and funds for solutions in this crisis.

Permanent Display: Education and Awareness
New information will be added to our permanent bushmeat display in the Education Center and included in our publications and newsletters. Our Bushmeat Educational Brochure is updated every year and is part of our display. Bushmeat is the subject of a yearly brown bag lunch and has been incorporated into our docent training program. Bushmeat education stations have been incorporated in a number of our special events and Members Nights.

Annual Project Support: Animal Welfare and Local Education
There will be an annual primate lecture an financial support for snare removal in Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda.

For more information:
www.bushmeat.org
www.montereybayaquarium.org