Assessment of Sustainable Hunting Practices and Legal Frameworks in Taraba State

Sustainable hunting, when properly regulated, can serve as a wildlife management tool and a legitimate livelihood source for rural communities in Nigeria. In Taraba State, within the North East geopolitical zone, game hunting has historically been an important cultural practice, and several game reserves in the state have the potential to support regulated trophy hunting. This study assesses the sustainability of current hunting practices and the adequacy of the legal framework governing wildlife hunting in Taraba State. Data were gathered through analysis of state and federal wildlife legislation, interviews with 40 hunters and community leaders, review of hunting permit records from the Taraba State Forestry Commission, and field assessments of game populations in three hunting zones. Results indicate that the state's hunting permit system is poorly enforced, with the majority of active hunters operating without valid licenses. Quota systems for hunted species are either absent or non-binding in practice. The legal framework governing wildlife hunting in Taraba State has not been revised to reflect current species population status or international wildlife trade regulations. The study recommends a comprehensive legal review incorporating current scientific wildlife population data, the introduction of a community-managed quota system, and the development of a state-regulated ecohunting program as an alternative to unregulated subsistence hunting. Alignment with CITES obligations is recommended for species frequently traded across state boundaries. Keywords: sustainable hunting, wildlife legislation, Taraba State, North East Nigeria, trophy hunting