Poisonous substances used to capture and kill the greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus)

Abstract

The greater cane rat, as it is commonly known, is often called grasscutter (in Ghana, Nigeria and other regions of West Africa). Even though is highly patronized as a delicacy by a majority of Ghanaians (akrantie—Twi language) mostly in the rural areas, the persistent reports on people being poisoned as a result of eating food prepared with grasscutter which has been captured/killed by the use of poison are deterring people from consuming the grasscutter meat despite its high protein content. The objective of this study was, therefore, to investigate the actual ingredients that are used in the formulation of poison to capture grasscutter for human consumption. Questionnaires were administered to participants (farmers) who are involved in grasscutter hunting to solicit the ingredient they formulate to poison the grasscutter in their hunting. To prove the activeness of these ingredients, the main ingredient used in formulating the poison to capture the grasscutters were tested on two male grasscutters and these were yellow oleander root ( Cascabela thevetia ; syn: Thevetia peruviana ) powder and carbofuran. The findings of the experimental trial revealed that the grasscutter that was fed with yellow oleander root powder did not die but showed some signs of intoxication and staggered each time it tried to move. However, the grasscutter fed with carbofuran died within 10 hr of being poisoned. Majority of the participants attested to the fact that the use of poison increases their chance of capturing the grasscutter, especially in the dry season since the poison is not washed away by the rainwater. However, consuming grasscutter poisoned with either yellow oleander root power or carbofuran could be detrimental to human health.

Risk of Heavy Metal Poisoning From Consuming Grasscutter Digesta in Ghana

“…Many Ghanaians perceive that adding grasscutter digesta to soup brings out the needed taste. 3 Accordingly, we asked the merchant how much digesta is sold daily, to have an idea of its demand. She said: This business was started by my mother, and I have taken over.…”

“…As such, individuals in those areas avoid poisoning by discarding the entire digestive system of the hunted animals while ensuring that the digesta does not spill on the meat. 3 , 28 This is however not the case for people who consume grasscutter digesta. Grasscutters eat foods like maize, cassava, and potatoes, 29 which are also consumed by humans and are not detrimental to human health.…”

“…Previous studies have documented its use as seasoning in some dishes. [3][4][5] A survey revealed that grasscutter digesta is well-patronized by Ghanaians and is a preferred spice for making soups. According to consumers, this spice improves the taste and aroma of food.…”

“…According to consumers, this spice improves the taste and aroma of food. 3 The grasscutter is a large herbivorous rodent native to West Africa and is the most sought-after bushmeat in Ghana. [5][6][7] Although grasscutter meat is a good protein source, there are concerns that it may be contaminated with heavy metals from polluted environments like mining sites.…”

Population structure and evolutionary history of the greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) from the Guinean Forests of West Africa

“…They are common animal pests found in grasslands and cultivated forest regions of sub-Saharan Africa (Fayenuwo and Akande, 2002), posing a threat of huge economic loss to the crop farmers. Consequently, in addition to the meat, another motivation for grasscutter hunting is for pest control (Fayenuwo and Akande, 2002;Aluko et al, 2015;Essuman and Duah, 2020) (Fayenuwo and Akande, 2002;Aluko et al, 2015;Essuman and Duah, 2020). Therefore, the animals have a great economic importance both in agriculture and human dietary animal protein supply chain (Adenyo et al, 2012).…”