HUNTING AMONG MOKA-BUBIS IN BIOKO - DYNAMICS OF FAUNAL EXPLOITATION AT THE VILLAGE LEVEL

Hunting by Bubi villages around Moka, Bioko, and their impact on the l ocal prey fauna was studied during July-August, 1992. Questionnaires w ere sent to 45 known hunters in the region in order to find out their techniques and hunting procedures. Hunting trips were also followed (a total of 204 km covered) and counts of animals brought to the village s from 103 recorded trips were also made. There were two main hunting methods employed: trapping and shooting. Most commonly used was snare trapping. At least five different types were used during the study. Gu ns were less commonly employed. Both techniques are efficient and prod uctive but prey caught by each method differed. Most animals caught by snares were large rodents (Atherurus africanus, Cricetomys emini) and small antelopes (Cephalophus monticola) whereas those shot were usual ly antelopes (C. monticola and C. ogilbyi), monkeys (Cercopithecus spp .) and, when accompanied by dogs, drills (Mandrillus leucophaeus). The effects of hunting in the region is acute especially since they incur upon the proclaimed protected areas in the south of the island. Hunti ng trips are gradually being lengthened and areas which were originall y unaffected by this activity are now part of the villages' hunting zo nes.