Wild pig and local livelihoods in West Papua

Abstract

Introduced species, such as wild boar were mostly sold and locally consumed for their meat. This study aims to have a better understanding on the contribution of wild pig, as a hunted species, to local livelihoods in eleven villages located along the coast of West Papua Province. On average, the actual hunting returns were two animals on each hunting trip. Wild pig is one of the major animals harvested, (20.83 ± SD 4.53) individuals during seven month period of observations. The hunting catch was valued at IDR 84,375,000 (or US$8,437.5), assuming an exchange rate of US$1 equals IDR 14,000. Wild pigs are the most commonly hunted, because they are widely distributed, and provide a large amount of meat for both subsistence and sale purposes. Wild pigs contribute significantly to traditional economies across New Guinea, including Indonesian New Guinea