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<p>Seasonally flooded forests in tropical West Africa are highly dynamic ecosystems that sustain biodiversity and rural livelihoods. This study investigates how flood cycles shape bushmeat harvesting strategies in Itu, southern Nigeria, focusing on reptiles—especially snakes—as alternative protein sources during inundation periods. From 2016 to 2024, we conducted standardized surveys across 185&#xa0;km² of floodplains and river channels, combining direct field observations, community informant reports, and market monitoring. Results indicate a 62% increase in wildlife captures following floods, primarily driven by an 87% rise in snake harvests relative to pre-flood periods. These results were statistically significant using a Generalized Linear Model with a Poisson error distribution and a log-link function. While terrestrial mammals dominate hunting returns in the dry season, flooding reduces access to terrestrial habitats, prompting a dietary shift toward more visible and vulnerable reptiles. The African water snake (<i>Grayia smithii</i>) was the most frequently captured species, and dwarf crocodiles (<i>Osteolaemus tetraspis</i>) were also regularly taken by local fishers. Cultural perceptions shaped harvesting practices: venomous cobras (<i>Naja nigricollis</i> and <i>Naja melanoleuca</i>) were generally avoided despite their abundance. Interestingly, also the number of hunted manatees (<i>Trichechus senegalensis</i>) increased heavily by wet season. These findings highlight the adaptability of local subsistence strategies to seasonal ecological constraints and socio-economic pressures. With climate change expected to intensify flooding regimes and mammal populations continuing to decline, opportunistic reptile hunting is likely to gain importance as a food source.</p>

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Seasonal Flooded Forests and Shifting Bushmeat Dynamics in West Africa: Opportunistic Consumption of Snakes and Other Reptiles in Itu Wetlands, Nigeria

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月11日

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  • Edem A. Eniang,
  • Fabio Petrozzi,
  • Julia E. Fa,
  • Luca Luiselli,
  • Inemesit E. Eniang

摘要

Seasonally flooded forests in tropical West Africa are highly dynamic ecosystems that sustain biodiversity and rural livelihoods. This study investigates how flood cycles shape bushmeat harvesting strategies in Itu, southern Nigeria, focusing on reptiles—especially snakes—as alternative protein sources during inundation periods. From 2016 to 2024, we conducted standardized surveys across 185 km² of floodplains and river channels, combining direct field observations, community informant reports, and market monitoring. Results indicate a 62% increase in wildlife captures following floods, primarily driven by an 87% rise in snake harvests relative to pre-flood periods. These results were statistically significant using a Generalized Linear Model with a Poisson error distribution and a log-link function. While terrestrial mammals dominate hunting returns in the dry season, flooding reduces access to terrestrial habitats, prompting a dietary shift toward more visible and vulnerable reptiles. The African water snake (Grayia smithii) was the most frequently captured species, and dwarf crocodiles (Osteolaemus tetraspis) were also regularly taken by local fishers. Cultural perceptions shaped harvesting practices: venomous cobras (Naja nigricollis and Naja melanoleuca) were generally avoided despite their abundance. Interestingly, also the number of hunted manatees (Trichechus senegalensis) increased heavily by wet season. These findings highlight the adaptability of local subsistence strategies to seasonal ecological constraints and socio-economic pressures. With climate change expected to intensify flooding regimes and mammal populations continuing to decline, opportunistic reptile hunting is likely to gain importance as a food source.