Wild animals

With 2.5 million square kilometers of largely intact tropical rainforest and savannah, 10-15% of the world’s fresh water reserves and an extremely rich and highly endemic biodiversity, the Guiana Shield ranks among the most important ecological regions in the world. This report highlights the Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) of the Guiana Shield.

The global use of wild animals for meat is now the primary illegal activity in many protected areas, and growing human populations and a lack of livelihood options suggest that demand for wild meat is likely to continue to rise. This Occasional Paper contains the background information presented to participants at a workshop jointly organized by IUCN, FAO and TRAFFIC in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The global use of wild animals for meat is now the primary illegal activity in many protected areas, and growing human populations and a lack of livelihood options suggest that demand for wild meat is likely to continue to rise. This Occasional Paper contains the background information presented to participants at a workshop jointly organized by IUCN, FAO and TRAFFIC in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Live wild animals are confiscated by local, regional and national authorities for a variety of reasons. Once they have taken possession of these animals, these authorities must dispose of them responsibly, in a timely and efficient manner. Prevailing legislation, cultural practices and economic conditions will influence decisions on appropriate disposition of confiscated animals.