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"The importance and value of wildlife in West Africa must not be underestimated. For all West Africans, wildlife is food; for some, it is the symbol of their culture; for others, it is their religion and even their identity. Traditionally, wildlife was regarded as a valuable community asset, which was used and protected by customs and taboos. More recently, however, with the introduction of outside education and religious values, many Africans have begun to question things for which no explanations nor scientific bases existed, things that could not be measured or quantified. This has led to the breakdown of some traditions and taboos and exposed the wildlife they protected to serious threats. An increase in human population and its associated need for more resources, including wildlife; a lack of suitable and adequate substitutes for bushmeat; and, the availability of efficient hunting equipment has increased the rate of wildlife exploitation. At the same time, wildlife habitats have been increasingly degraded through agricultural practices, deforestation and the opening up of hitherto inaccessible areas." |
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