Diversity of hunting fauna affected by hunting in the savannah region of northern Côte d'Ivoire

Meat from wild animals, commonly known as bushmeat, has always been a significant source of protein for many households in Côte d'Ivoire and other tropical regions of the world. However, population growth in recent decades, improved hunting methods and increased demand for bushmeat have intensified the burden on wildlife through the profits derived from its marketing. In the Bandama Valley, Savannah and Denguélé districts, there are a limited number of scientific studies on hunting and the animal species involved in game trafficking. The aim of this research is to provide wildlife managers with information on the particular diversity of game fauna in the study districts, with a view to promoting sustainable management. In order to achieve this objective, weekly inventories of game offered for sale in markets and restaurants in the districts visited were carried out. In all, 4,356 specimens were counted, divided into three classes, 12 orders, 22 families and 36 animal species. Among these species, the small-scaled pangolin (Manis tricuspis), the Gabon viper (Bitis gabonica), the dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis) and the tortoise (Kinixys belliana) are among those in danger of extinction. In terms of abundance of specimens, mammals make up the largest number, with 77.41% of species identified. The Greater Cane Rat (Thryonomys swinderianus), is the species most killed with 1392 individuals or 31.96% of the total number of specimens inventoried. This work is helping to perfect and extend sustainable natural resource management strategies.