Bush meat sold on the markets in Kisangani: analysis addressed to the right on species conservation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

In order to identify the game species sold on the central market of Kisangani and to check up the respectability of the regulation of hunting by the Congolese population, we collected data from January to August 2009 and from December 2014 to May 2015. The results indicate that 29,525 game carcasses marketed, belong to 8 orders, 13 families and at least 27 species. On the central market of Kisangani, Artiodactyla (40.06%) are the most sold followed by Primates (37.79%). The family Bovidae (37.98%) is the most represented followed by Cercopithecidae (37.61%). Based on counting carcasses, Cercopithecus sp (35.35%), followed by Cephalophus monticola (22.96%) are the most sold. The Low n° 82-002 which regulates hunting is not observed in Kisangani, as well as the ministerial decree n° 14/003 of 11 February 2014 relating to the conservation of nature. In fact, the regular hunting period is not observed. In addition, Loxodonta africana, Manis gigantea, Okapia johnstoni, and Pan troglodytes which are totally protected, Cephalophus sylvicultor, Potamochoerus porcus, and Syncerus caffer nanus which are partially protected are exploited. Therefore, it is essential to implement mechanisms for integrated management of wild fauna which respect the Congolese legislation and international conventions.