Wild Meat Trade and Consumption in the Central Amazon, Brazil

Abstract

Many factors drive wildlife hunting and consumption, including source of income, taste preference, culture, lack of alternative meat, meat price, and wealth, and the relative importance of these factors may vary from place to place. We describe three aspects of wild meat consumption and trade in the town of Tapaua, central Amazon, Brazil: (1) factors associated with consumption of wild and domesticated meats; (2) consumers’ knowledge of and attitude toward wildlife, preference for meat, and perceptions about changes in wild and domesticated meat consumption; and (3) patterns of wildlife trade. We found that preference, price, wealth, and occupation were associated with meat consumption. Social links played an important role in local trade. Decreasing price and diversifying domesticated meat alternatives may lead to a decrease in wild meat consumption, if alternatives function as substitutes. Outreach could improve understanding of wildlife ecology and conservation and encourage reduction in wild meat consumption while retaining local culture. Fostering alternative livelihoods for hunters could help reduce hunting pressure.