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Cited by 26Wildlife Conservation and Criminology AnalysesWildlife Ecology and ConservationConservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management

Commercial hunting to supply urban markets threatens mammalian biodiversity in Sapo National Park, Liberia

Open access
Greengrass, Elizabeth·2016·Oryx
DOI 10.1017/s0030605315000095
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Abstract

This survey was part of a situational analysis of bushmeat hunting and trade in Sapo National Park in south-east Liberia. Increased private-sector investment in natural resource extraction and industrial-scale agribusiness outside the Park is anticipated to increase hunting pressure and lead to further declines in biodiversity unless informed, assertive actions are taken to protect it more effectively. Two commercial hunting camps on the Park's southern boundary were surveyed for 1 month each. Information on the catch of all professional hunters in these camps was documented. The results revealed a high diversity of species but significant and probably unsustainable bushmeat extraction rates. Eighty-two chimpanzees Pan troglodytes verus, including eight live infants, were recorded in the survey. Most of the bushmeat harvested was destined for Monrovia and other major towns. A concerted effort needs to be made to shut down these commercial camps but the potentially significant contribution that commercial trade makes to urban areas suggests that this can only be achieved if Liberia develops alternative sectors in domestic meat production to feed the growing urban population.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

A month-long survey of two commercial hunting camps near Sapo National Park, Liberia, recorded high species diversity and substantial, probably unsustainable bushmeat extraction, including 82 chimpanzees and eight live infants. Most meat was destined for Monrovia and other urban centres, leading the author to argue for closing the camps while developing alternative domestic meat production.

Key findings

  • At Neechebu, 1,115 carcasses and an estimated 18 mammalian species were recorded; at Chanedae, 1,150 carcasses and an estimated 16 species were recorded, together averaging 36 carcasses per day. Duikers comprised 41.43% of the overall catch, primates 40.85%, and other ungulates 15.30%.
  • An estimated 58% of carcasses at Neechebu were species of conservation concern, rising to 64% when water chevrotain was included; at Chanedae the equivalent estimates were 38 and 45%. The survey recorded 82 chimpanzees, including eight live infants, plus 63 Endangered red colobus and 185 Vulnerable Diana monkeys at Chanedae, six Endangered pygmy hippopotamuses, and one Vulnerable elephant at Neechebu.
  • More than 18,000 kg of meat was harvested at each camp. Estimated revenue during the month-long surveys was USD 26,290 at Neechebu and USD 26,511 at Chanedae; average earnings were USD 1,657 per Chanedae hunter and USD 1,354–1,825 for Neechebu full-time hunters. Bushmeat sold for USD 1.43/kg at Neechebu and USD 1.46/kg at Chanedae.
  • Approximately half of all carcasses were destined for Monrovia, with other destinations including Greenville, Ganta and Zwedru; almost 90% of harvested chimpanzees were destined for Monrovia. A truck investigation found sacks containing body parts from three chimpanzees and one Jentink’s duiker.

Methods

  • Two commercial hunting camps on the southern boundary of Sapo National Park, Neechebu and Chanedae, were surveyed for one month each (1 April–1 May and 24 May–23 June 2010). All professional hunters present participated: 26 hunters at Neechebu (15 full-time, 11 part-time) and 16 full-time hunters at Chanedae. A Liberian research assistant stayed in the camps, observed catches at the end of each shift, and informally interviewed traders.
  • For each carcass, data were recorded on species, age, sex, condition, weapon used, hunter, and whether hunted by day or night, plus price and destination. Biomass was estimated using Kingdon adult mean masses, with immatures assigned half those values; adult male and female chimpanzees were assigned 55 kg and 40 kg, and live infant chimpanzees and monkeys 5 kg and 1 kg, respectively.
  • Analysis was descriptive, reporting proportions of catch, biomass, revenue, and destinations.

Limitations

  • The paper states that the research assistant was not a specialist: he could not determine sex for reptiles, pangolins or the potto; pangolins, porcupines and mongooses were not identified to species; monkeys at Neechebu were not identified to species, so some measures were estimated. Possible misidentification of Ogilby’s duiker as Bay duiker was also noted.
  • The paper states that price data may have been final sale or asking price, so revenue estimates are approximate. The author also notes that direct access to the camps was not possible because of Fauna & Flora International’s relationship with Park authorities and because hunting was probably partly illegal, so data collection relied on the research assistant.
  • Evident from the text: the survey covered only two camps for one month each, with no baseline or population-level monitoring, so it cannot directly demonstrate sustainability or trends; the author notes there was no clear evidence of overexploitation but considers sustainable limits doubtful.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1017/s0030605315000095

Cites

19 of 19 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 27 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    Duiker, other ungulates, and primates contributed most to the overall biomass.

    “More than , kg of meat was harvested at each camp (Table ), with duiker, other ungulates and primates contributing most to the overall biomass (Tables  &).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    An estimated USD 26,290 was generated at Neechebu during the monthlong survey.

    “An estimated USD , and USD , was generated at Neechebu and Chanedae, respectively, during the monthlong surveys.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The main destination for bushmeat was Monrovia, accounting for approximately half of all carcasses.

    “The main destination for the bushmeat (approximately half of all carcasses) was Monrovia, with other destinations including the towns of Greenville, Ganta and Zwedru (Table ).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    An investigation of one truck in May 2010 revealed 5-6 large sacks and eight small sacks of bushmeat, each estimated to contain 60 and 30 smoked carcasses, respectively.

    “An investigation of one truck in May  revealed - large sacks and eight small sacks of bushmeat, each estimated to contain  and  smoked carcasses, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    In Neechebu, full-time hunters earned USD 1,354-1,825.

    “On average, hunters from Chanedae earned USD , each, and in Neechebu full-time hunters earned USD ,-,.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 32
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 48
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At Neechebu, 51 chimpanzee carcasses were recorded and seven live infants captured.

    “At Neechebu  chimpanzee carcasses were recorded and seven live infants captured.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Chanedae was a more scattered settlement of 10-15 permanent houses and temporary dwellings.

    “Chanedae, further east, was a more scattered settlement of - permanent houses and temporary dwellings.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Part-time hunters worked 4-10 days per month and were transient, moving between camps when they needed to raise cash.

    “Part-time hunters worked - days per month and were transient, moving between camps when they needed to raise cash.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Transportation of bushmeat was at night; local people were hired to carry the bushmeat to a pre-arranged location accessible by motorbike.

    “Transportation was at night; local people were hired to carry the bushmeat to a pre-arranged location that was accessible by motorbike.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At Chanedae, 23 chimpanzees were killed and one live infant was captured.

    “At Chanedae  chimpanzees were killed and one live infant was captured; in contrast, % of the catch (n = ) was male.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Bushmeat was sold at USD 1.43 per kg in Neechebu and USD 1.46 per kg in Chanedae.

    “Bushmeat was being sold at USD . per kg in Neechebu and USD . per kg in Chanedae, a consistency that could be expected if commercial hunting operations at both camps were coordinated.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    The income generated by full-time hunters was considerable.

    “The income generated by full-time hunters was considerable.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Sixteen full-time hunters were recorded in Chanedae.

    “Twenty-six hunters ( full-time and  parttime) were recorded in Neechebu, and  full-time hunters in Chanedae.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The research assistant estimated there were five commercial hunting camps close to the southern boundary of Sapo National Park.

    “Based on his work and his knowledge of the area, the research assistant estimated there were five commercial hunting camps close to the southern boundary of the Park.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The majority of hunters came from Sinoe County and Nimba County.

    “The majority came from Sinoe County in the south-east and Nimba County in north-central Liberia.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Although hunting from the two camps was intensive, there was no clear evidence of overexploitation.

    “although hunting from the two camps was intensive there was no clear evidence of overexploitation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Full-time hunters worked both a night shift (19.00-06.30) and a day shift (12.00-18.00).

    “Full-time hunters worked both a nightshift (.-.)and a day shift (.-.).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At Chanedae, 1,150 carcasses and an estimated 16 species were recorded.

    “At Neechebu , carcasses and an estimated  mammalian species were recorded, and at Chanedae , carcasses and an estimated  species were recorded.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    From the pre-arranged location, the trader transported the bushmeat to Greenville by motorbike taxi, where public vehicles were hired to transport it across the country.

    “From there the trader transported the bushmeat to Greenville by motorbike taxi, where public vehicles were hired to transport it across the country.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Greenville received the next largest proportion of meat, followed by Ganta in Nimba County.

    “Greenville received the next largest proportion, followed by Ganta in Nimba County”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Duikers comprised 41.43% of the number of carcasses in the overall catch, followed by primates (40.85%) and other ungulates (15.30%).

    “Duikers comprised .% of the number of carcasses in the overall catch, followed by primates (.%), and other ungulates (.%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    There is evidence of a demand for chimpanzee body parts for use in traditional medicine, but the magnitude of this demand is unknown.

    “There is evidence of a demand for body parts for use in traditional medicine (Plate ) but the magnitude of this demand is unknown.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    At Neechebu, most of the bushmeat not destined for Monrovia went to Greenville, with only a small proportion going to Zwedru and Ganta.

    “At Neechebu most of the produce not destined for Monrovia went to Greenville, with only a small proportion going to Zwedru and Ganta.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Neechebu was the larger camp, considered the headquarters by the hunters, and had a daily market.

    “Neechebu, the larger camp, was considered the headquarters by the hunters and had a daily market.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    At Neechebu, an estimated 58% of carcasses were of species of conservation concern, rising to 64% when water chevrotain was included.

    “At Neechebu an estimated % of the carcasses were of species of conservation concern (IUCN, ), rising to % when water chevrotain Hyemoschus aquaticus, a species protected under Liberian law, was included.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites IUCN, 2014

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Marginally more animals were hunted during the night shift than the day shift (57% at Neechebu and 59% at Chanedae).

    “Marginally more animals were hunted during the night shift ( and % of the catch in Neechebu and Chanedae, respectively).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Full-time hunters lived with their wives and children.

    “Full-time hunters lived with their wives and children, indicating permanent residency in the camps.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Only a small proportion of the catch was rotten (6% at Neechebu and 0.4% at Chanedae).

    “Only a small proportion of the catch was rotten ( and .% of carcasses in Neechebu and Chanedae, respectively), and rodents contributed little to the biomass of bushmeat harvested in either camp (Table ).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At Neechebu, 1,115 carcasses and an estimated 18 mammalian species were recorded.

    “At Neechebu , carcasses and an estimated  mammalian species were recorded, and at Chanedae , carcasses and an estimated  species were recorded.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Price does not appear to explain the high rate of harvesting of chimpanzees; USD 40 per carcass is similar to the price paid for other larger-bodied species.

    “Price does not appear to explain the high rate of harvesting of chimpanzees; USD  per carcass is similar to the price paid for other larger-bodied species.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Traders stayed in the camps for up to 1 month, purchasing meat and smoking it before transporting it in bulk.

    “Traders stayed in the camps for up to  month, purchasing meat and smoking it before transporting it in bulk.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The camps were supplying meat to major urban centres, with the greatest proportion going to Monrovia.

    “The camps were supplying meat to major urban centres and the greatest proportion went to Monrovia.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    At Chanedae, 63% of the chimpanzee catch (n=15) was male.

    “At Chanedae  chimpanzees were killed and one live infant was captured; in contrast, % of the catch (n = ) was male.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    The results of this study did not appear to influence the authorities to take action to combat commercial hunting in the Park.

    “The results of this study did not appear to influence the authorities to take action to combat commercial hunting in the Park.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The omission of monkey species identification at Neechebu was considered a result of inadequate in-situ training.

    “This latter omission could have been avoided had I been able to accompany the research assistant to the field, and it was considered to be a result of inadequate in-situ training, as he was able to identify monkeys to the species level prior to the first survey.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    When a remote area of forest is first connected to a market, offtake increases initially, followed by a rapid decline as wildlife populations are depleted.

    “Offtake increases initially when a remote area of forest is first connected to a market, followed by a rapid decline as wildlife populations are depleted.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bennett, 2008

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The research assistant was unable to determine the sex of reptiles, pangolins, or the potto Perodicticus potto.

    “The research assistant was not a specialist and was unable to determine the sex of reptiles, pangolins or the potto Perodicticus potto.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In all areas where the bushmeat trade has been documented, ungulates and primates are two of three taxa targeted for human consumption.

    “which are two of three taxa targeted for human consumption in all areas where the trade has been documented (Fa & Brown, ).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Fa & Brown, 2009 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Increased private-sector investment outside Sapo National Park may lead to further declines in biodiversity within the Park unless appropriate measures are implemented to control hunting and protect the Park effectively.

    “Wildlife habitat around protected areas is vital for ecological functions, and increased private-sector investment outside the Park may lead to further declines in biodiversity within the Park unless appropriate measures are implemented to control hunting and protect the Park effectively.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Certain measures (e.g., number of mammalian species, biomass harvested) could only be estimated.

    “Consequently, further training was provided between surveys, and certain measures (e.g.number of mammalian species, biomass harvested) could only be estimated.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    It is doubtful that any alternative livelihoods exist in rural Liberia that could offer the same financial incentive as commercial hunting.

    “It is doubtful that any alternative livelihoods exist in rural Liberia that could offer the same financial incentive as commercial hunting.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The extirpation of species can lead to the decline of their predators.

    “The extirpation of species can lead to the decline of their predators (Henschel et al., ), and with .% of tree species in the Afrotropics relying on animal dispersal (Beaune et al., ) ecological processes such as plant regeneration can be disrupted (Fa & Brown, ), with far-reaching consequences for plant diversity, composition and forest structure.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Henschel et al., 2011 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Commercial hunting normally follows a boom and bust pattern.

    “Commercial hunting normally follows a boom and bust pattern (Bennett, ).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bennett, 2008

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    Increases in the proportion of rodents may indicate a reduction in larger, more favoured bushmeat species.

    “Increases in the proportion of rodents may indicate a reduction in larger, more favoured bushmeat species”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The consistency in bushmeat prices between the two camps could be expected if commercial hunting operations at both camps were coordinated.

    “Bushmeat was being sold at USD . per kg in Neechebu and USD . per kg in Chanedae, a consistency that could be expected if commercial hunting operations at both camps were coordinated.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    It is likely that the commercial hunting camps remain active because of the absence of an adaptive management strategy and no formal intention to close them.

    “In the absence of an adaptive management strategy on the part of the Forest Development Authority, and with no formal expression of intention to close the camps, it is likely that the camps remain active.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The destination of bushmeat may be a product of demand, distance, and the origin of the hunters and traders.

    “These results suggest that destination may be a product of demand (Monrovia is the largest town), distance (excluding Monrovia, a large proportion of the catch was destined for the closest town of Greenville), and the origin of the hunters and traders.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The data appeared to reflect what is known about commercial hunting and the relative abundance of various mammalian species.

    “The data appeared to reflect what is known about commercial hunting and the relative abundance of various mammalian species.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The composition of a hunter's catch depends largely on what is available and is related to the proximity of high forest.

    “As the composition of a hunter's catch depends largely on what is available and is related to the proximity of high forest (Hoyt, )”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hoyt, 2004

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The recorded price data can be considered only an estimate of the revenue generated by hunters because it was unclear if the recorded price was the final sale price or the asking price.

    “It was unclear if the recorded price was always the final sale price, or the asking price, and therefore these data can be considered only an estimate of the revenue generated by hunters.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The research assistant had a good general knowledge of the mammalian fauna.

    “Despite these discrepancies the research assistant had a good general knowledge of the mammalian fauna.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    All professional hunters present in each camp during the survey period participated.

    “All professional hunters present in each camp during the survey period participated.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    An estimated 48.2% of Liberia's human population lives in urban communities.

    “An estimated .% of Liberia's human population lives in urban communities (CIA, ).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites CIA, 2014

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The large proportion of the catch at Chanedae destined for Ganta suggested that this camp might support a higher proportion of hunters from Nimba.

    “Many hunters were reportedly from Sinoe and Nimba Counties and the large proportion of the catch at Chanedae that was destined for Nimba's commercial capital, Ganta, suggested that this camp might support a higher proportion of hunters from Nimba.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Bushmeat extraction rates in the two commercial hunting camps were significant and probably unsustainable.

    “The results revealed a high diversity of species but significant and probably unsustainable bushmeat extraction rates.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Sapo National Park may support 1,500 chimpanzees, an estimated 20-25% of the national population.

    “The Park may support ., chimpanzees, an estimated -% of the national population (N'Goran et al., ; Tweh et al., ).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites N'Goran et al., 2010

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Tweh et al., 2014

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    It is possible that commercial hunting from this location on the southern boundary of the Park had developed only recently.

    “It is therefore possible that commercial hunting from this location on the southern boundary of the Park had developed only recently.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Further training was provided between surveys.

    “Consequently, further training was provided between surveys, and certain measures (e.g.number of mammalian species, biomass harvested) could only be estimated.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The research assistant was trained to identify Liberia's mammalian fauna to the species level before the surveys.

    “Before the surveys commenced I ensured that the research assistant was able to identify fauna to the species level.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    It did not appear that part of the catch was hidden.

    “It did not appear that part of the catch was hidden.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In 2010 a survey estimated that there were 18,000 miners in nine camps in Sapo National Park.

    “In  a survey estimated that there were , miners in nine camps in the Park (Kayjay, ).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kayjay, 2010

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Pangolins, porcupines, and mongooses were not identified to the species level, nor were monkeys at Neechebu.

    “Pangolins, porcupines and mongooses were not identified to the species level, nor were monkeys at Neechebu.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    With 80% of tree species in the Afrotropics relying on animal dispersal, ecological processes such as plant regeneration can be disrupted.

    “The extirpation of species can lead to the decline of their predators (Henschel et al., ), and with .% of tree species in the Afrotropics relying on animal dispersal (Beaune et al., ) ecological processes such as plant regeneration can be disrupted (Fa & Brown, ), with far-reaching consequences for plant diversity, composition and forest structure.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Beaune et al., 2013

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Fa & Brown, 2009 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This study highlights the perilous state of protected areas in West and Central Africa as a result of the unregulated bushmeat trade.

    “This study thus highlights the perilous state of protected areas in West and Central Africa as a result of the unregulated bushmeat trade.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Commercial hunting was discriminatory, targeting a limited number of large-bodied mammals.

    “Commercial hunting was discriminatory (facilitated by the use of shotguns), targeting a limited number of large-bodied mammals (Table ).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Most unregulated hunting of larger-bodied mammalian species is unsustainable, driven by commercialization of the trade and facilitated by increased access and improved technologies.

    “Driven by commercialization of the trade, and facilitated by increased access and improved technologies (Bennett, ), most unregulated hunting of larger-bodied mammalian species is unsustainable (Peres, ).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Bennett, 2008

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Peres, 2010 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Full-time hunters had permanent residency in the camps.

    “Full-time hunters lived with their wives and children, indicating permanent residency in the camps.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    There is growing evidence for an international trade in apes in the region.

    “there is growing evidence for an international trade in apes in the region (Ammann et al., ).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ammann et al., 2013

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationown data

    The 36 carcasses per day was unexpectedly consistent given that the number of hunters in Neechebu was higher.

    “For both camps this translates to  carcasses per day, which was unexpectedly consistent given that the number of hunters in Neechebu was higher.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Despite extensive reform in Liberia's forestry sector, institutional capacity is limited and state enforcement of comprehensive laws is weak.

    “Despite extensive reform in Liberia's forestry sector, institutional capacity is limited and state enforcement of comprehensive laws is weak (e.g.SDI, ).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites SDI, 2010

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The train line and associated roads will circumvent the Park, transforming the area and increasing pressure on wildlife in the Park by increasing the efficiency and profitability of the trade in bushmeat.

    “the train line and associated roads will circumvent the Park, transforming the area and increasing pressure on wildlife in the Park by increasing the efficiency and profitability of the trade in bushmeat.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Roads are an essential component of the commercial bushmeat trade.
    • Rests on an assumption: The company Putu Iron Ore Mining has been exploring the Putu Mountains just north of the Park and plans to build a train line from its project site to the coast at Greenville.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    In the absence of effective protection, such developments are likely to have a disastrous effect on biodiversity in the area.

    “In the absence of effective protection, such developments are likely to have a disastrous effect on biodiversity in the area.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In a limited area of the Park close to the Forest Development Authority park headquarters, law enforcement has had a positive effect on wildlife populations.

    “in a limited area of the Park close to the Forest Development Authority park headquarters law enforcement has had a positive effect on wildlife populations (Vogt, ; E. Greengrass, unpubl. data)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Vogt, 2011

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites E. Greengrass, unpubl. data

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Weak governance in the forestry sector remains a major obstacle to implementing forest management in the tropics.

    “Weak governance in the forestry sector remains a major obstacle to implementing forest management in the tropics (Zimmerman & Kormos, ).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Zimmerman & Kormos, 2012

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The majority of Liberia's chimpanzees and other species-rich mammal communities exist outside protected areas.

    “the majority of the country's chimpanzees and other species-rich mammal communities exist outside protected areas.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Tweh et al., 2014

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The trade poses a threat to the survival of species, and ultimately to the livelihoods of people living around the Park who rely on bushmeat to meet their nutritional and economic needs.

    “The trade poses a threat to the survival of species, and ultimately to the livelihoods of people living around the Park who rely on bushmeat to meet their nutritional and economic needs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
71 of 71

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The three species of monkeys identified at Chanedae were the same species that had been observed at Neechebu.

    “Three species of monkeys were identified at Chanedae and it was assumed these same species had been observed at Neechebu.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Porcupines recorded in the survey were the smaller brush-tailed porcupine Atherurus africanus.

    “Porcupines were assumed to be the smaller brush-tailed porcupine Atherurus africanus, which appears to be more abundant than the crested porcupine Hystrix cristata (E.Greengrass, pers. obs.), and this ensured a conservative estimate of biomass, although only one carcass was recorded.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    It is reasonable to assume that at least some hunting activity occurred within Sapo National Park.

    “it is reasonable to assume that at least some hunting activity occurred within the Park”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Artisanal gold mining has the potential to be lucrative but monthly earnings are likely to fluctuate significantly, with the probability of earning a considerable income being small.

    “Artisanal gold mining has the potential to be lucrative but monthly earnings are likely to fluctuate significantly, with the probability of earning a considerable income being small.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Widespread poverty creates demand for affordable sources of protein, and this is exacerbated by the lack of commercial-scale domestic meat production or adequate alternatives in urban areas.

    “Widespread poverty creates demand for affordable sources of protein, and this is exacerbated by the lack of commercial-scale domestic meat production or adequate alternatives in urban areas.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Chimpanzees tend to be hunted opportunistically and aspects of their behaviour (e.g. their occurrence at low density and their fission-fusion society) make them difficult to hunt.

    “Chimpanzees tend to be hunted opportunistically and aspects of their behaviour (e.g.their occurrence at low density and their fission-fusion society) make them difficult to hunt”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In 2013 CITES sanctioned Guinea over international trade in great apes, sourced from a number of West and Central African countries, which has grown as a by-product of commercial hunting.

    “In  CITES sanctioned Guinea over international trade in great apes, sourced from a number of West and Central African countries, which has grown as a by-product of commercial hunting.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    As elsewhere in the region, law enforcement personnel are not permitted to carry arms despite the proliferation of guns among hunters.

    “As elsewhere in the region, law enforcement personnel are not permitted to carry arms despite the proliferation of guns among hunters.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Since the study, private-sector investment, in particular in mining and logging around the Park, has resulted in development of the road network and transport links, and increased access to the forest.

    “Since the study, private-sector investment, in particular in mining and logging around the Park, has resulted in development of the road network and transport links, and increased access to the forest”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Roads are an essential component of the commercial bushmeat trade.

    “roads are also an essential component of the commercial bushmeat trade.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The company Putu Iron Ore Mining has been exploring the Putu Mountains just north of the Park and plans to build a train line from its project site to the coast at Greenville.

    “The company Putu Iron Ore Mining has been exploring the Putu Mountains just north of the Park and plans to build a train line from its project site to the coast at Greenville”
11 of 11

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Elephant identified by different scientific names

    Minor

    The results identify the elephant recorded at Neechebu as Loxodonta africana, whereas Table 2 identifies the camp's single elephant as Loxodonta cyclotis.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

3 of the 22 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 11

  1. Greengrass, 2013, A survey of small carnivores in the Putu Mountains, southeast Liberia, Small Carnivore Conservation, 48, 30
  2. 2009, Nimba Western Area Iron Ore Deposits, Liberia Environmental Baseline Studies. Volume 3: Flora and Fauna
  3. Vogt, 2011, Bio-monitoring and Research Programme, Sapo National Park: Results of Sapo National Park Bio-monitoring Programme 2007–2009
  4. Hoyt, 2004, Wild Meat Harvest and Trade in Liberia: Managing Biodiversity, Economic and Social Impacts
  5. Kayjay, 2010, Assessment Tour at the Sapo National Park from January 13th to 22nd 2010
  6. Waitkuwait, 2003, Report on the First Year of Operation of a Community-based Bio-monitoring Programme in and Around Sapo National Park, Sinoe County, Liberia
  7. Ammann, 2013, The Conakry Connection
  8. 2010, Liberia's Vision for Accelerating Economic Growth. A Development Corridor Desk Study
  9. Bennett, 2008, Hunting and Trade of Bushmeat in Central Africa. A Review of Conservation, Livelihood and Policy Implications
  10. Kingdon, 1997, The Kingdon Guide to African Mammals
  11. N'Goran, 2010, Report on the Population Survey and Monitoring of Chimpanzees in Sapo National Park, Liberia (June–December 2009)

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Greengrass, E.
Affiliations
Born Free Foundation (GB)
Corresponding author
Greengrass, Elizabeth
ORCID
Greengrass, Elizabeth
Venue
Oryx
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Published
2015-05-25
Volume
50
Issue
3
Pages
397-404
ISSN
  • 0030-6053 (ISSN-L)
  • 1365-3008
DOI
10.1017/s0030605315000095
OpenAlex
W2288136109
Semantic Scholar
445ab283801101b6c6fe5c55bc184023221313e8
Cited by
26
References
22
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 1
FWCI
0.68
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
www.cambridge.org/core/terms (unspecified)
Locations
Oryx (publishedVersion)
Funders
Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Nature and Landscape Conservation › Wildlife Conservation and Criminology Analyses
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Ecology › Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Global and Planetary Change › Conservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management
Keywords
bushmeat trade, commercial hunting, chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes verus, hunting camps, wildlife exploitation, protected area management

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-27.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-27.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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