In the region, an enormous variety of smaller species are utilized, including many carnivore species such as caracals and jackals, as well as the larger preferred species such as kudu, hartebeest and bushbuck. Indeed, species once regarded as taboo are increasingly being targeted as the overall wildlife resource declines. In the past, eating rodents and reptiles was never contemplated by many peoples, but now these species constitute an important component of the bush meat diet in numerous areas. An emerging trend is that rising prices are stimulating trade from a dwindling resource. One consequence has been increased hunting pressure on many protected areas, where bush meat harvest is now the number one illegal activity.
International trade is most significant within Africa.
The extent of inter-continental trade from the African continent is negligible in comparison to domestic use. In the eastern and southern Africa regions, inter-continental trade is largely restricted to legally ranched Ostrich and some crocodile meat formally entering the European Union via Belgium, and a limited illegal trade in bush meat being transported by West and Central Africans visiting relatives residing in Europe. In West and Central Africa such regional cross-border trade is also believed to be substantial. Solutions to the bush meat issue are complex and exacerbated by expanding human populations. Of paramount importance is the need to address inappropriate wildlife ownership laws and land tenure policies that have created a legislative environment that is not conducive to stimulating greater management of the resource.