Global hotspots of bushmeat hunting risk for mammals

Abstract Bushmeat hunting is a significant threat to mammal species worldwide1,2, yet global assessments of its impact are extremely scarce. This study provides the first comprehensive evaluation of the biological, environmental, and socioeconomic factors driving bushmeat hunting risks for terrestrial mammals, both currently and in the future. We identify key drivers such as low GDP, high population density, and extreme climate events. Our findings reveal that regions with lower economic development and higher human population density face the greatest hunting pressures. Additionally, we project future hotspots where socio-economic changes, including population growth, infrastructure expansion, and climate shifts, will intensify hunting threats, particularly for species already vulnerable to other environmental pressures. We also highlight specific groups, including primates, sloths, and fruit bats, which are most at risk due to their biological characteristics and increasing human encroachment. These species, often with slow reproductive rates or restricted distribution, are projected to face growing threats from bushmeat hunting in the coming decades. By identifying regions and species at risk, this study provides actionable insights for guiding future conservation priorities and mitigating the impacts of bushmeat hunting on biodiversity.