Importance of rodents as a human food source in Benin

Rodents are an important food source for villagers near the Lama forest reserve, located in the south of Benin between 6 degrees 55-7 degrees 00N and 2 degrees 04-2 degrees 12 E. This stud), was designed to look at the consumption of rodents as a food source combined with a survey of rodents sold in markets. Data was collected oil : rodents species consumed, frequencies of consumption and food preferences. Some animals were captured in order to confirm the species. Rodents were a major part of diet included 10 species : grasscutler (Thryonomys swinderianus), giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus), Gambian Sun-squirrel (Heliosciurus gambianus), crested porcupine (Hystrix cristala), ground squirrel (Xerus erythropus), grass rat (Arvicanthis niloticus), slender gerbil (Taterillus gracilis), Kempi's gerbil (Tatera kempii), multimammate rats (Mastomys spp.) and grass mouse (Lemniscomys striatus venustus). On average, young people and children consumed rodents 6 times per person per month. The preferences of local populations were grasscutter and giant rats which were sold in local markets at relatively high prices US\$8-10 and US\$2-4 respectively. It is important to conduct further Studies to look at the impact of this hunting on the rodent populations and to ensure Sustainable harvesting.