Study Reveals Disconnect in Wild Meat Perceptions During COVID-19

A recent study highlights a significant disconnect between media narratives and public perceptions regarding the consumption of wild meat in Central Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and CIFOR-ICRAF, the findings were published in the journal People and Nature. This research offers critical insights into how media reporting interacts with community beliefs and behaviors, presenting key implications for wildlife management and public health strategies.

The study analyzed over 260 media articles from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Gabon, and the Republic of Congo, as well as conducting phone surveys with more than 3,600 individuals in Cameroon and the DRC. Lead author Yuhan Li, a DPhil student at the University of Oxford’s Department of Biology, noted that while media coverage frequently underscored the risks of zoonotic disease transmission from wild meat, public perceptions were shaped more by personal experiences and economic factors.

“Media articles tended to emphasize the risks of a virus spill-over from wild meat to humans,” Li stated. “However, our results show that people’s perceptions were more influenced by their personal experience, and that their food choices were largely determined by the price and availability of wild and domestic meats.”

Public Perceptions vs. Media Narratives

Wild meat serves as a vital source of food and income in Central Africa. The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increased focus on wild meat consumption, altering public perceptions and stated behaviors. The research revealed that 61% of media articles discussing zoonotic risks primarily focused on the dangers inherent in wild meat consumption. Contrastingly, survey results indicated that many respondents considered domesticated red meat to be the more significant risk for disease transmission.

While nearly half of respondents in Cameroon reported reducing their wild meat consumption due to health concerns, one-third of those surveyed in the DRC indicated an increase in consumption, primarily driven by the scarcity and cost of alternative protein sources. This divergence in behavior underscores the complexity of public sentiment around wild meat.

Effective Communication and Policy Measures

The study emphasizes the necessity of understanding social perceptions surrounding wild meat in order to inform effective interventions. Although proposals for banning wild meat trade were frequently mentioned in media discussions as a response to COVID-19, there was no consensus among respondents on the appropriateness of such measures. Support varied significantly, with stronger backing in the DRC, while opinions in Cameroon were more divided.

“If we want to shift behaviors around wild meat consumption in Central Africa, we need to start by listening,” said Lude Kinzonzi from the Wildlife Conservation Society. “Top-down bans or generic health warnings rarely work. What makes the difference are approaches grounded in real community needs and motivations, positive campaigns built on evidence, amplified by trusted local voices, and supported by viable alternatives.”

The authors advocate for evidence-based communication campaigns that engage trusted local influencers and tailored policy measures. They suggest these efforts should be paired with increased access to safe and affordable substitutes for wild meat, coupled with investments in local institutions, law enforcement, and monitoring systems.

A multifaceted approach could help achieve both biodiversity conservation and improved public health outcomes, particularly in regions where wild meat remains a crucial component of food security and livelihoods. The study serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between media narratives and community perspectives, offering valuable lessons for future public health initiatives.

For further information, access the full study titled “The impact of COVID-19 on public perceptions of wild meat in Central Africa” in People and Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1002/pan3.70094.