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

This study examines the influence of seasonal flooding on bushmeat harvesting patterns in the seasonally flooded forests of Itu, southern Nigeria. Using standardized field surveys, community informant reports, and market monitoring conducted between 2016 and 2024 across approximately 185 km² of floodplain and riverine habitats, the research assesses how local communities adapt wildlife harvesting strategies during flood periods. Results reveal a significant increase in wildlife captures following flooding events, with reptile harvesting, particularly snakes, increasing substantially compared with pre-flood conditions. While terrestrial mammals remain the primary source of bushmeat during the dry season, restricted access to terrestrial habitats during inundation drives a shift toward reptiles that become more visible and accessible. The African water snake (Grayia smithii) was the most frequently harvested species, while dwarf crocodiles (Osteolaemus tetraspis) and West African manatees (Trichechus senegalensis) were also captured more frequently during the wet season. Cultural perceptions influenced species selection, with venomous cobras generally avoided despite their abundance. The findings demonstrate the adaptability of local subsistence systems to changing environmental conditions and suggest that increasing flood intensity and declining mammal populations may further increase the importance of reptiles as a seasonal food resource. The study highlights the need for sustainable wildlife management strategies that consider both food security needs and conservation concerns in tropical wetland ecosystems.

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