Here are a few pictures of the wildlife that are for sale in Bamako. The first couple of shots are of tourist goods for sale in the Artisana; a state sanctioned market that caters to the wants of travelers. In one image you can see a variety of handbags that are fashioned using crocodile, ball python, and savannah monitor skins. Three leopard pelts hang from the wall in another shop. One medium-sized savannah monitor skin pocket book will cost you about $23.00. A large leopard pelt costs about $460.00.
The later two shots are from the "Marra Bagga Yorro" (animal parts place). This wildlife stands in stark contrast to the Artisana. As one might imagine, the Marra Bagga Yorro is not recognized by the state, it is illicit market. Yet, the Marra Bagga Yorro is a key facet of Malian life. When one is in need of medical or supernatural aid they visit the Marra Bagga Yorro to purchase culturally recognized ingredients. For example, if you have an ear ache / infection, try a little "Ma Tulu" (oil rendered from the fat of a manatee). The going rate for a small vial of Ma Tulu is about $8.00. Or possibly you might be interested in the head of a Gabon viper to facilitate a curse on another. That will cost you about $17.00.
Though it may be hard to accept, both the Artisana and Marra Bagga Yorro are places of business. They exist to serve a need and make a buck while doing it. However different the markets may seem on the surface, through an economic perspective it is readily evident that both markets function in much the same manner. In fact, both markets are supplied through some of the same hunters. Understanding the values associated with wildlife, the connections that they reveal between people and places, is the crux of my research.
It has been a busy past couple of weeks with all sorts of people coming and going in the Marra Bagga Yoro (animal parts place). A few of the vendors have been purchasing new stock for their stall. Here are a few examples. First up are a couple of hunters that have harvested several gazelle, antelope, and Civet hides. They are trying to turn a quick buck, however the vendor who ended up buying the civet hides (5 @ 1000cfa = $12.00), got them at a steal. 
Next up is the bucket-o-vipers, believed to be juvenile saw-scale vipers. The man brought them to the Marra Bagga Yoro looking to sell them for 20,000cfa each. Vendors told me that they are only worth about 5000cfa each ($12.00). And yes, they are alive.
Last up is a live Ball python. A man collected it outside of Bamako and brought it in to sell. One of my friends bought it, along with the head of another, for 5000cfa ($12.00)
