Rural Livelihoods Vulnerabilities and Commercial Bushmeat Hunting Challenges in Cross River National Park, Nigeria

Francis E. Bisong,Oliver O. O. Enuoh

doi:10.4236/nr.2014.513071

Abstract

Biodiversity conservation in parks and protected areas in Africa in general and especially in Nigeria is seriously threatened by the explosion of commercial bushmeat hunting activities in buffer zone communities. Several fauna species are becoming endangered and the list of extinct species is increasing due to commercial bushmeat hunting activities. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research techniques, this paper assesses the livelihoods vulnerability underpinnings of commercial bushmeat hunting activities in Cross River National Park (CRNP). Results reveal that commercial bushmeat hunting activities are shaped by a vulnerability context that hinges on different elements of environmental shocks, seasonal challenges and surrounding societal trends. The paper highlights the conservation and global sustainable development implications of uncontrolled commercial bushmeat hunting practices and concludes with options on policy recommendations and future research trajectories.

Highlights

Cross River National Park (CRNP) in south eastern Nigeria is a global biodiversity hotspot and region of species endemism
The feasibility study and management plan document of Cross River National Park prepared by WWF/ODNRI in 1989 made provision for a buffer zone or support zone development programme (SZDP) which included rural livelihoods activities and the resettlement of enclave communities
Consistent with renewed calls for authoritarian park protection [61]-[64], tropical parks like Cross River National Park have been struggling to deal with commercial bushmeat hunting challenges in the park through authoritarian means hinging on frequent arrest and punishment of poachers and other trespassers

Summary

Introduction

Cross River National Park (CRNP) in south eastern Nigeria is a global biodiversity hotspot and region of species endemism. Fauna species like the Cross River Gorilla (gorilla gorilla diehli) are not found. How to cite this paper: Enuoh, O.O.O. and Bisong, F.E. (2014) Rural Livelihoods Vulnerabilities and Commercial Bushmeat Hunting Challenges in Cross River National Park, Nigeria. The wildlife resources of CRNP are seriously threatened by commercial bushmeat hunting activities in buffer zone communities of the park. The paper assesses rural livelihoods vulnerabilities and commercial bushmeat hunting challenges in buffer zone communities of Cross River National Park. Giant pangolin, black deer, and bush cow are no longer seen or have become extinct in Cross River National Park due to commercial bushmeat hunting challenges [1]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion