What sorts of food do the Efe hunt and gather in the Ituri Forest

History · Middle School · Thu Feb 04 2021

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 The Efe people, known as a group of Pygmies, are hunter-gatherers who live in the Ituri forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The sorts of food they hunt and gather are quite diverse due to the rich biodiversity of the forest. The Efe hunt a variety of animals for meat, including:

1. Small to medium-sized mammals, like duikers and rodents. 2. Primates, such as monkeys. 3. Birds. 4. Occasionally, larger animals like forest antelopes or wild pigs, though these are less common due to the difficulty in hunting them with traditional methods.

For gathering, the Efe collect a wide range of edible resources from their forest environment, such as:

1. Wild fruits and berries. 2. Edible roots and tubers. 3. Leaves and plants that can be used either as foods or medicines. 4. Insects like caterpillars and larvae, which are a significant source of protein. 5. Honey, which is highly prized and collected when they come across wild bee hives.

The Efe have a deep knowledge of their forest environment and seasonal variations, which guides them in their hunting and gathering activities. Their diet can be heavily influenced by the availability of these resources which fluctuates with the seasons.