What is the role and contribution of meat from wildlife in providing high quality protein for consumption?

An overview is presented on the global human usage of unconventional animal species (ungulates, rodents, rabbits and hares, kangaroos, reptiles and bats) derived either from wild harvesting or farming The nutritional value of these species is discussed, focusing on their potential to contribute to food security and to address the protein requirements of a growing population. The challenges and opportunities arising from the commercial use of these animals are highlighted, as are the problems faced with overexploitation of certain wild species. Of the species addressed, the rodents appear to present great potential for becoming large commercial commodities for food use.