Phase III Preview: Bushmeat and Wildlife Trade in the USA

While it may seem to many that the bushmeat crisis is something that happens “over there,” growing evidence shows that bushmeat is also in our own backyard. As BCTF and its members address global bushmeat/ wildlife trade issues in Africa, Asia and other parts of the world, we must also take action on the illegal importation of bushmeat and wildlife products into our own borders.

While the amount of bushmeat entering the US is a small fraction of that in African countries, how we respond to the trade in our own country reflects our commitment to addressing our responsibilities in global wildlife trade issues. We will pursue a two-pronged approach to address the demand for bushmeat in North America as well as the supply that quietly enters our borders.

BCTF members, particularly our zoo and aquarium members, can gain a great deal in collaborating with us on this effort, as it provides an excellent bridge between overhunting issues around the world and a US centered contribution to the global trade in wildlife products.

Together with our partners, BCTF will work to:

• Identify the motivations, deterrents and acceptable substitutes among US bushmeat consumer communities
• Evaluate and incorporate relevant public, veterinary and wildlife health issues into plans
• Develop an effective communications strategy for consumer communities
• Build funding strategies and submit proposals for further work
• Shape implementation plans for outreach to be led by BCTF zoo members
• Publish peer-reviewed documents that synthesize available information on bushmeat in the US, including government and policy recommendations
• Host high-profile events to communicate policy recommendations to US Government

The BCTF Assistant Director will lead this effort with support from the Director in collaboration with BCTF members and other partners.