Contrasting with this 'barefoot and bikes' approach is that of the commercial poachers. The commercial poachers will have a more systematic approach - making temporary camps in the park and venturing out daily in their vehicles hunting and trapping animals. Therefore they target most large mammals that they encounter including elephants, wildebeest, warthog, zebra and many species of antelope. As the larger species are declining smaller animals are being hunted. Bush meat is substantially cheaper than farmed meat.
Studies show that in many areas meat is the only source of protein.
During periods of hardship such as droughts bush meat was very important source of food. Poverty thus directly impacts on animal populations. The repercussions for the wildlife are far ranging. The poaching also has influenced the behaviour of the wildlife. The community of elephants based around the Itechi Techi lake, an area exposed to more poaching, are noticeably more skittish than other populations.