Endangered wild animals sold as bushmeat on TikTok
In West Africa, the illegal trade of wild meat is moving from roadside stalls to social media, where sellers are reaching thousands of new buyers.
This growing online market is not only breaking the law but also threatening endangered animals.
Wild meat is sold across West Africa, often illegally, despite strict laws to protect wildlife.
In many towns and cities, it is openly traded at markets and roadside stalls, sometimes at higher prices than farmed meat.
In rural areas, dead snakes, rodents and other animals are still displayed for sale to travellers.
However, the trade is both dangerous and unlawful. It pushes endangered animals closer to extinction, causes suffering for captured wildlife, and increases the chance of spreading diseases to people.
Social media has made the problem worse. Platforms like TikTok and Facebook are now being used to advertise and sell wild meat, helping sellers connect with bigger audiences.
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