Understanding consumer demand for bushmeat in urban centers of Cameroon with a focus on pangolin species

Bushmeat consumption remains significant in urban Central Africa. Increasing urbanization has fueled bushmeat trade and become a threat to endangered species like the pangolin. Behavioral change interventions may help reduce demand for pangolins centers. However, there is still lack of adequate locally-specific research on consumer behavior drivers effectively guide such interventions. Our study addressed this knowledge gap through semistructured interviews investigate preferences habits perceptions 597 participants Bertoua Ebolowa, Cameroon. Bushmeat, general, was positively perceived as tasty, healthy, luxurious item that meets cultural needs, while domestic meat negatively an unhealthy intensively processed product. The biggest barriers were its illegality high price. Pangolin among most desired types bushmeat. Nearly half pangolin consumers willing pay more meal. Despite being fully protected by national laws, consistently found local markets restaurants, suggesting ineffectiveness law enforcement and/or communication with public about legal protection current status pangolins. findings provide understanding sociocultural can reduction centers