Leena Watts
Monkey meat, a type of bushmeat, has been consumed in numerous parts of the world, including several African and Asian nations, as well as parts of Europe and the Americas. In Africa, monkey meat is consumed in countries including Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Liberia, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, the Central African Republic, and West Africa. While some people view monkey meat as a delicacy, it is also believed to carry the risk of diseases such as Ebola.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries where monkey meat is consumed | Liberia, Cameroon, Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Sierra Leone, China, Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia, Mexico, India, Amazonia |
| Historical consumption | Consumption of monkey meat has been recorded in history in multiple Asian and African nations, as well as parts of Europe and the Americas |
| Perceived taste | Sweet, soft, juicy, succulent |
| Perceived health benefits | Some believe it enhances human health |
| Preparation methods | Boiled, grilled, fried |
| Dishes | Soups |
| Risks | Ebola virus disease, other potentially fatal infectious diseases |
| Legality | Illegal in many countries, including the US and India |
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What You'll Learn
Monkey meat is consumed in several African countries
Monkey meat, a type of bushmeat, is consumed in several African countries. It is considered a delicacy in some parts of the world, including certain African nations. In 2014, a documentary by Vice News shed light on Liberia's growing monkey meat industry, where locals described the meat as "sweet". The documentary also highlighted the indifference of locals to the risk of contracting the Ebola virus disease, which has been associated with monkey meat consumption.
In the Republic of Congo, monkey meat is viewed as an "ordinary delicacy" and a "must-eat". It is commonly served grilled, boiled, or fried, and a monkey carcass can be worth between 20,000 and 40,000 francs. During the 2015 All Africa Games in Brazzaville, a Nairobi News reporter observed that residents highly valued monkey meat over other primate meats.
Cameroon is another African country where monkey meat consumption is prevalent, with approximately 80% of all meat consumed in the country being some form of bushmeat. The Bari people, in particular, consider eating monkey meat as a defining cultural trait that sets them apart from non-indigenous people. However, some members of the Bari tribe have moved away from this practice due to the physical similarities between monkeys and humans.
In addition to these countries, South Sudan is also known to consume monkey meat, especially during outdoor festivals. While the practice of eating monkey meat is prohibited in many countries, it may still be available through illegal channels in certain regions.
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It is considered a delicacy in some parts of Africa
Monkey meat, a type of bushmeat, has been consumed in numerous parts of the world, including multiple Asian and African nations. In Africa, it is particularly consumed in Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Liberia, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Sierra Leone, and West Africa. While it is prohibited in many countries, it is considered a delicacy in some parts of Africa.
In Cameroon, approximately 80% of all meat consumed is bushmeat, with monkey meat being prized for its succulence. The Bari people consider eating monkey meat as a defining feature of their culture, separating them from non-indigenous people. However, some tribe members have moved away from this practice due to the similarity in appearance between monkeys and humans. In the Republic of Congo, monkey meat is viewed as an "ordinary delicacy" and a "must-eat." It is commonly served grilled, boiled, or fried, and carcasses are highly valued, worth between 20,000 and 40,000 francs. During the 2015 All Africa Games in Brazzaville, a Nairobi News reporter observed that residents eagerly sought out monkey meat.
In Liberia, monkey meat is also considered a delicacy, described as "sweet" by locals. However, the consumption of monkey meat in Liberia and other parts of West Africa has been associated with the risk of contracting the Ebola virus. While a direct link has not been confirmed, researchers suspect that the recurrence of the virus in these regions may be connected to the consumption of monkey meat. Despite the potential health risks, some people continue to consume monkey meat due to its perceived taste and cultural significance.
In some communities, monkey meat is believed to have medicinal qualities and is consumed for its perceived health benefits. For example, in Western Kenya, near the Kakamega Forest, a minority of people value monkey meat for its perceived enhancement of human health. However, attitudes are changing as education and lifestyles evolve, leading to a more tolerant view of primates within the ecosystem.
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Some believe it has medicinal qualities
Monkey meat is consumed in several African countries, including Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and West Africa. While it is a source of sustenance for many, some also believe that monkey meat has medicinal qualities.
In Western Kenya, for example, some locals believe that monkey meat is more nutritious than the meat of domestic animals and that it can help treat specific health issues. This belief is particularly prevalent among families with a tradition of hunting, who have limited access to education and alternative livelihood options. They believe that eating monkey meat can help treat malaria or HIV, boosting the immune system. This is attributed to the monkeys' consumption of forest plants, some of which are used by herbalists to treat human health conditions.
In China, monkey meat is also considered to have medicinal properties due to its high protein content. It is believed to be an effective treatment for various ailments, including stomachaches and eye diseases. However, the consumption of monkey meat has been associated with health risks, such as the potential transmission of infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and Ebola.
In Indonesia, while the government protects monkeys, and it is generally avoided to hunt and eat them, some regions, such as Sulawesi, Lampung, Medan, West Java, and even Jakarta, have been known to sell and consume monkey meat. The Indonesian Islamic Council (MUI) has stated that consuming prohibited animal meat for treatment is allowed if there are no alternative halal and safe medicines available.
The consumption of monkey meat is a complex issue, balancing cultural traditions, beliefs about medicinal properties, and potential health risks. While some tout its perceived health benefits, others emphasize the dangers of contracting infectious diseases.
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It can be prepared in several ways
Monkey meat, a type of bushmeat, is consumed in various parts of the world, including several African nations. In Africa, monkey meat is eaten in countries like Cameroon, Liberia, the Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Sierra Leone. While it is a taboo food in many cultures, it is considered a delicacy in some African regions and can be prepared in several ways.
In the Republic of Congo, monkey meat is viewed as an "ordinary delicacy" and a "must-eat." It is often grilled, boiled, or fried, with carcasses being highly valued. Similarly, in Cameroon, where bushmeat is said to comprise about 80% of all meat consumed, monkey meat is prized for its succulence.
In West and Sub-Saharan Africa, monkey meat has been a source of sustenance during challenging times, such as civil conflicts and famine. The meat is appreciated for its soft and juicy texture. It is commonly prepared through boiling, frying, or grilling, especially during outdoor festivals.
In other parts of the world, such as Southern Mexico, natives have been known to hunt spider monkeys year-long, despite legal prohibitions during certain periods. In Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, monkey meat consumption was popular before the 2010s, but it declined due to increased overall meat consumption in the region. The Marubo native tribe of Amazonia includes monkey in their soups along with other meats like tapir and deer.
In Asia, monkey meat has been traditionally viewed as a delicacy in some cultures. For instance, in Chinese cuisine, it is considered a "prized delicacy" and is believed to possess medicinal qualities. However, there have been bans on monkey meat consumption in certain regions, such as Guangdong in 1934, which prohibited the consumption of both monkey meat and brains.
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Monkey meat consumption has been linked to the Ebola virus
Monkey meat, or bushmeat, is consumed in many parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. In Africa, it is consumed in nations such as Cameroon, Liberia, Sierra Leone, the Republic of Congo, and South Sudan. In these regions, monkey meat is prized for its succulence and is often served grilled, boiled, or fried.
While the consumption of monkey meat has not been definitively proven to cause Ebola, studies have shown that some individuals associate the transmission of EVD with the consumption of monkey meat. In a study conducted in Central Uganda, 64.9% of respondents linked the transmission of EVD with eating monkey meat. Similarly, following the first case of Ebola in Nigeria in July 2014, surveys in wild meat markets revealed that monkeys and fruit bats nearly disappeared, indicating a link between the consumption of these animals and the perceived risk of Ebola.
However, it is important to note that the risk of contracting Ebola from consuming monkey meat is quite low. According to Dr. Rowcliffe, "the risk is quite low, but given the scale of contact, it is inevitable that there will be new emergences of Ebola or potentially other diseases that the bats harbour." This view is supported by other researchers, who argue that people are more vulnerable to Ebola through human-to-human interaction than by consuming monkey meat or other bushmeat.
While the link between monkey meat consumption and Ebola is not conclusive, the education campaigns and behavioural change campaigns have been effective in reducing the trade and consumption of primates and bats, which are implicated in the transmission of Ebola.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, monkey meat is consumed in many African countries including Cameroon, Liberia, the Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Sierra Leone.
Monkey meat is often prepared by boiling, grilling, or frying. It is commonly served at outdoor festivals and is considered a delicacy in some regions.
In some regions of Africa, people have resorted to consuming wild animals, including monkeys, due to civil conflicts, famine, and poor crop-growing conditions, which have limited their access to food.
Yes, consuming monkey meat is legal in some African countries, such as Cameroon and the Republic of Congo. However, it is prohibited in many other countries.
Yes, there are health concerns related to the consumption of monkey meat in Africa. In 2014, the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa raised concerns, and researchers suspect that the consumption of monkey meat may be a factor in the spread of the virus.
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