Cultural Keystone Species Research Articles

Drivers of fishery status for the cultural keystone pāua (Haliotis iris) in Customary fishery Protection Areas in Aotearoa New Zealand

Drivers of coastal fishery status are complex due to the broad range of stressors to which coastal species are subjected. For successful fisheries management it is essential to understand drivers of population variability. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the cultural keystone, pāua (Haliotis iris, blackfoot abalone) has undergone considerable stock declines, and stock enhancement efforts have had limited success. Multiple regression modelling, and generalised linear modelling were used to assess drivers of H. iris size and density at 50 sites around southern New Zealand. These data were gathered across six Customary fishery Protection Areas (CPAs, Mātaitai Reserves and Taiāpure Local Fisheries) across the takiwā (tribal area) of the Te Waipounamu (South Island) iwi (tribe) Ngāi Tahu. Our results suggest that H. iris density and size are driven by different factors: H. iris density was negatively correlated to time under fishing restrictions and macroalgal density, and shell length was larger in deep habitats and negatively related to the density of the gastropod, Cookia sulcata. This study highlights that fishing restrictions may not lead to an increase in population size, and that declines of cultural keystone species may have intergenerational impacts. Therefore, it is essential to empower local communities supporting management of reefs at small scales and very conservative catch levels to maintain the broad values of this species in customary protection areas while fisheries rebuilding occurs.

The return of the kinga (saltwater crocodile): Population ‘bust then boom’ shapes shifting baselines in Indigenous biocultural knowledge in northern Australia

The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) can be regarded as a cultural keystone species for many Indigenous societies around the world, including for many Aboriginal clans in northern Australia. Here the regional population of Crocodylus porosus suffered a decline, almost to extinction, with unregulated commercial hunting between the 1940s to the early 1970s. Following protected status, saltwater crocodile populations made a rapid recovery. This research documents the perceptions and experiences of this rapid (within living memory) ‘bust then boom’ saltwater crocodile population change, among a regional group of Indigenous Australians (comprising several clans) from the Alligator Rivers Region of western Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. Using semi-structured interviews, archival work and on-Country (place-based) learning, significant influences on the continuity of Aboriginal people's contemporary engagement with freshwater Country were identified. In particular, the loss of access to freshwater customary harvesting sites and to key harvested species, and as a driver of adaptive changes in harvesting methods and consumption preferences for saltwater crocodile meat and eggs. Importantly, the experiential losses from restricted access to waterbodies were found to have significant impact on opportunities for inter-generational knowledge transmission, according with more recent applications of the Shifting Baseline Syndrome to Indigenous Ecological Knowledge. Findings demonstrate the need for monitoring and management programs of cultural keystone species, like the saltwater crocodile, to include Indigenous-led biocultural knowledge programs as a means of supporting local and Indigenous Knowledge systems. This is particularly critical in cross-cultural, First Nations, and joint-management contexts.

Modeling Cultural Keystone Species for the Conservation of Biocultural Diversity in the Afroalpine

Climate warming threatens the future sustainability of mountains, and tropical mountains are particularly threatened with loss of biodiversity and associated ecosystem services. Conservation biologists increasingly turn to habitat suitability models to guide the establishment and assessment of protected area networks to protect the highest number of species, yet this focus often neglects the values, attitudes, and beliefs of the people living around protected areas. If we consider protected areas as dynamic social–ecological systems, habitat suitability modeling for conservation planning must pay greater attention to the role of biocultural diversity, rather than biodiversity alone. Here, we describe a conservation assessment of the Afroalpine grassland ecosystem in the northern highlands of Ethiopia. We use a cultural keystone species known as guassa grass (Festuca macrophyhlla) to focus our modeling efforts and evaluate the potential distribution of this endemic species in relation to current national and community-based protected areas. Our model performed highly according to the area under the curve (AUC = 0.96), yet nearly 80% of highly suitable guassa habitat falls outside the range of our training data and thus must be interpreted conservatively. We found that guassa grass distribution is primarily limited by low mean temperature in the warmest quarter (BIO10, 36.7%), high precipitation in the wettest quarter (BIO16, 21%), and low precipitation in the driest quarter (BIO17, 15.6%). As climate change causes rapid warming at high elevations and alters rainfall patterns in the Ethiopian highlands, we urge managers to carefully monitor the changing populations of guassa grass to evaluate whether the species is experiencing an extinction debt. We also recommend four additional areas as potential community-based conservation areas, with government and NGO support for peer-to-peer communication networks. Spatially explicit modeling may be a valuable tool to determine whether these existing and proposed protected areas can sustain future populations of guassa grass.

Ecosystem Services and Linkages of Naturally Managed Monotheca buxifolia (Falc.) A. DC. Forests with Local Communities across Contiguous Mountainous Ranges in Pakistan.

Simple SummaryMonotheca buxifolia is a wild fruit yielding tree species of the Sapotaceae family, frequently reported in northern and western parts of Pakistan. This species is highly involved in providing a number of services, including provisioning, regulation, maintenance and cultural indicating the close relations between society and the protection of mountain areas. Due to the poor socio-economic situation and natural hazards in this region, Monotheca phytocoenoses have been heavily exploited during the last few decades. Apart from the dominant species, we also report some other important tree species (Juglans regia, Pinus roxburghii, Ficus palmata, Punica granatum, Olea ferruginea, and Acacia modesta, etc.) that play a key role in improving the economic situation of the mountain inhabitants. These phytocoenoses should be properly managed on a priority basis to support long-term consumption.The local community of the Suleiman and Hindukush mountain systems in Pakistan has largely depended on the natural resources of the environment since ancient times. The ecosystem of these regions is under huge pressure due to a lack of awareness and the uncontrolled interference of communal, commercial, security, political, and ecological conditions. The present study was designed to illuminate the link between mountain society and the consumption of the benefits from Monotheca phytocoenoses using the ecosystem services concept from the sphere of the socio-ecological system to cultural relations. The use of this approach is very important due to the visible role and dominant status of Monotheca vegetation within the ecological system of the region. M. buxifolia is strongly connected with both local and cultural traditions and is counted as a key species, particularly for high-mountain inhabitants. We report that Monotheca phytocoenoses provide several services including shelter, food, fodder, medicines, and wood, etc., to the indigenous community and is highly valued in the local culture because of the poor economic condition of the society. The concept of this cultural keystone species is crucial for understanding ecosystem services and must be considered for the protection and conservation of these habitats. The results of field and social studies have shown that the stable maintenance of Monotheca phytocoenosis forests ensures the existence of key species as the most important providers of ecosystem services, e.g., provisioning, regulation, maintenance and cultural services, indicating the close relations between society and the protection of mountain areas. According to the results obtained, the mountains community of the studied area believes that tree species like M. buxifolia, F. palmata, O. ferruginea, P. granatum, A. modesta, J. regia, etc., are the key components contributing to the function of both the mountain ecosystem and communities’ well-being. This approach will be extremely useful for ensuring an inclusive management of the socio-ecological system of the Hindukush and Suleiman Mountain ranges of Pakistan.

Risks of mining to salmonid-bearing watersheds.

Mining provides resources for people but can pose risks to ecosystems that support cultural keystone species. Our synthesis reviews relevant aspects of mining operations, describes the ecology of salmonid-bearing watersheds in northwestern North America, and compiles the impacts of metal and coal extraction on salmonids and their habitat. We conservatively estimate that this region encompasses nearly 4000 past producing mines, with present-day operations ranging from small placer sites to massive open-pit projects that annually mine more than 118 million metric tons of earth. Despite impact assessments that are intended to evaluate risk and inform mitigation, mines continue to harm salmonid-bearing watersheds via pathways such as toxic contaminants, stream channel burial, and flow regime alteration. To better maintain watershed processes that benefit salmonids, we highlight key windows during the mining governance life cycle for science to guide policy by more accurately accounting for stressor complexity, cumulative effects, and future environmental change.

Trees as brokers in social networks: Cascades of rights and benefits from a Cultural Keystone Species

Indigenous trees play key roles in West African landscapes, such as the néré tree (Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R.Br. ex G.Don). We applied social–ecological network analysis to understand the social–ecological interactions around néré. We documented the benefits néré provides and the multiple social interactions it creates amongst a large range of actors. The flows of rights over the trees and benefits from them formed two hierarchical networks, or cascades, with different actors at the top. The two forms of power revealed by the two cascades of rights and benefits suggest possible powers and counter-powers across gender, ethnicity, and age. We documented how the tree catalyses social interactions across diverse groups to sustain vital social connections, and co-constitute places, culture, and relationships. We argue that a paradigm shift is urgently needed to leverage the remarkable untapped potential of indigenous trees and Cultural Keystone Species in current global restoration and climate change agendas.

The Concept, Connotation and Significance of Cultural Keystone Species in Agricultural Heritage Systems

As a new type of heritage, Agricultural Heritage Systems (AHS), represented by Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) designated by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (NIAHS) designated by some countries' Ministry of Agriculture, are typical Social-Ecological Systems (SES), which usually are rich in biodiversity, traditional knowledge, resource utilization technology and outstanding cultural landscapes. Cultural Keystone Species (CKS) are defined as the culturally salient species that shape the cultural identity of a people in a major way. CKS can be used as a prominent tool for the synergistic conservation of SES biology and culture, and to promote the overall enhancement of system functions. This paper summarizes a review of the definition of the CKS and its application in SES conservation. According to the characteristics and protection needs of AHS, this paper defined the CKS in AHS as: “Composites of biological resources and cultural practices, which have a significant impact on the stability of local society and culture systems, contribute to the achievement of AHS' conservation goals.” Based on this definition, we analyzed the significance of the identification of CKS in AHS. First of all, CKS help to quickly identify the key elements of AHS. Secondly, CKS can promote community participation in the conservation and development of AHS. In addition, the identification of CKS has a significant role in food and livelihood security, biodiversity conservation, traditional knowledge and technology transmission, social organization maintenance, and cultural landscape maintenance in AHS, which helps to achieve the conservation goals of GIAHS and/or NIAHS.

Conservation with local people: medicinal plants as cultural keystone species in the Southern Alps

The concept of “cultural keystone species” (CKS) combines ecological and socioeconomic aspects and has a great potential for improving the overall success of conservation and restoration of ecosystems. In our study, we combined an ecological analysis of traditional medicinal plant species with an explorative analysis of the stakeholder landscape to understand the importance of plants for local communities. We investigate the feasibility of the CKS concept for traditional medicinal plants using the Southern Alps (Northern Italy) as a case study. Based on a comprehensive survey of traditional medicinal plants, we analyzed the habitats where they occur and their significance as CKS candidates. We applied the index of identified cultural influence (ICI). We identified some of the relevant stakeholders and their potential interest in traditional medicinal plants. From a total of 273 native medicinal species, we ranked the 10 most important CKS candidates. These comprised species with different ecology such as the herbs <em>Achillea millefolium</em> agg., <em>Alchemilla xanthochlora</em>, <em>Arnica montana</em>, <em>Hypericum perforatum</em>, <em>Matricaria chamomilla</em>, <em>Peucedanum ostruthium</em>, <em>Urtica dioica</em>, the shrub <em>Juniperus communis</em>, and the tree species <em>Betula pendula</em>. By merging their importance for the local communities with their occurrences in the habitats of South Tyrol, the concept of CKS can stimulate species and habitat conservation, and ecosystem restoration.

Weed-Eating Pigs: Cultural Keystone Species, Interiority and Traditional Village Protection in Central China

The current movement of traditional rural village protection in China has largely focused on remarkable rural spaces such as attractive landscapes or architecture. This study demonstrates that certain unremarkable rural spaces relating to traditional subsistence activities, such as the space of weed-eating pigs in Enshi prefecture, can be an invaluable asset to this protection. As a local cultural keystone species, weed-eating pigs provide an important impetus that has kept local people, cultural knowledge and materials circulating in a small but lively rural space, maintaining local traditional rurality. This small space also functions as rural residents’ personal interior space in which they can experience senses of continuity and order (especially the spatial order that has survived rural modernisation).

Ethnobotanical Study on Garcinia (Clusiaceae) in China

Abstract The genus Garcinia L. (Clusiaceae) is gaining increasing scientific attention worldwide owing to its ethnobotanical and pharmacological significance. In China, even though Garcinia plants have long been used for food, ethnomedicine, building materials, and other purposes, a comprehensive ethnobotanical study of the genus is notably limited. In the current study, the ethnobotanical importance of Garcinia plants has been extensively investigated through field surveys and literature reviews. Our studies revealed that Garcinia plants have been used in folk medicine since ancient times in China, including the Northern Song Dynasty, 960–1127 AD. Through their extensive interactions with genus, the Chinese people have gained various traditional knowledge, which is reflected in the following six aspects: food, traditional medicines, ornamental trees, construction and technology, cultural and spiritual significance, and miscellaneous uses. In particular, the four species: Garcinia hanburyi , G. paucinervis , G. xanthochymus , and G. oblongifolia , have cultural or spiritual values, among which G. paucinervis could be considered a cultural keystone species in the local communities, considering its crucial contribution to people’s cultures, spirits, and community identity. However, in general, some concerns originating from swift socio-economic changes have also been identified in the knowledge and Garcinia species. Strategies are needed to conserve traditional botanical knowledge, as well as plants.

Cultural Keystone Species without Boundaries: A Case Study on Wild Woody Plants of Transhumant People around the Georgia-Turkey Border (Western Lesser Caucasus)

Understanding plant significance across cultures and borders is a driving goal in ethnobotany. Often, empirical studies aim to highlight and explain variation in plant knowledge and uses between communities across national, geographic, and cultural boundaries. However, such studies underinvestigate commonality of values and practices between communities. In this cross-border study of highland pastoral communities in both Caucasian Georgia and Turkey, we propose and implement an approach that synthesizes Cultural Importance (CI) and Identified Cultural Importance (ICI) indices. We label this method a “Unified Cultural Keystone Species (UCKS)” approach. We demonstrate that such an approach is uniquely capable of perceiving shared Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and practices across cultures and borders. Our results identify three primary Cultural Keystone Species (CKS) that cut across cultural and political boundaries in the Western Lesser Caucasus. We argue that these findings allow for a more comprehensive understanding of ethnobotanical knowledge and practices in the study area. This, in turn, can enhance conservation and restoration strategies in the study region and beyond by highlighting the breadth of biocultural knowledge and value held within shared traditions and landscapes. By so doing, we show a way to heighten scientific perceptions of the importance of cultural and linguistic connections to environmental well-being in specific places.

Return of Nimat?—Wild Reindeer as an Indicator of Evenki Biocultural Systems

This paper reviews oral histories and established scientific materials regarding wild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus spp.) in the Southern Sakha-Yakutia, in the Neriungri district and surrounding highlands, river valleys and taiga forest ecosystems. Wild reindeer is seen as an ecological and cultural keystone species through which environmental and social changes can be understood and interpreted. Oral histories of Evenki regarding wild reindeer have been documented in the community of Iyengra between 2005 and 2020. During this 15-year-co-researchership the Southern Sakha-Yakutian area has undergone rapid industrial development affecting the forest and aquatic ecosystems. The wild reindeer lost habitats and dwindles in numbers. We demonstrate that the loss of the wild reindeer is not only a loss of biodiversity, but also of cultural and linguistic diversity as well as food security. Our interpretative and analytical frame is that of emplacement. Socio-ecological systems have the potential and capacity to reconnect and re-establish themselves in post-extractive landscapes, if three main conditions are met. These conditions for successful emplacement include (1) surviving natural core areas, (2) links to cultural landscape knowledge and (3) an agency to renew endemic links.

Ceiba pentandra (Malvaceae) and associated species: Spiritual Keystone Species of the Neotropics

Among the 18 species included in the Ceiba genus in the Malvaceae (Bombacoideae) family, Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. is not only the tallest and most widespread but also occupies the most prominent place in Neotropical cosmovisions. In this ethnobotanical review, we compare perceptions and uses of Ceiba and related species across Indigenous and Afro-descendant cultures ranging from the Caribbean to the Argentinian Chaco. Ceiba’s widely shared role as axis mundi (particularly in Amazonia), psychopomp, and as a shelter of major forest spirits makes it a perfect example of a Spiritual Keystone Species, a new concept inspired from the concept of Cultural Keystone Species and defined here for the first time.

Mega El Niño's change the playing field for culturally important tree species and hence the foundation for human-nature interactions in tropical forests

Humans have interacted with trees for millennia and the strength of such interactions determines the long-term social values of trees and forests. Such ecocultural linkages could be important to promote during reforestation efforts, potentially helping to turn the tide on the current rapid extinction of cultural and biological diversity. In addition, predicting the fate of ecoculturally important species to changing climates may help guide tree species selection best-suited to future climates. We assessed the vulnerability of four ecoculturally important tree species native to Southeast Asia to an extreme drought: Koompassia excelsa, Nephelium lappaceum, Shorea fallax and Shorea leprosula. These species provide distinct and unique products, and Koompassia excelsa is well-represented in local mythological stories and considered a Cultural Keystone Species (CKS). We used two complementary approaches: 1) an experimental common garden and 2) naturally occurring wild trees growing in a secondary forest and compared the performance of trees before, after, and during the 2016 El Niño event with record breaking low precipitation and high temperatures. We found that mortality of the CKS K. excelsa in the common garden, along with mortality and growth of wild trees were unaffected by the El Niño drought. In contrast, young trees of N. lappaceum and S. fallax planted in the common garden had mortality 4 and 3 times higher, respectively, during the El Niño drought compared to normal years. Growth rate of S. fallax in the wild was also significantly lower during the El Niño drought and this effect was particularly pronounced in highly disturbed forests. Our results demonstrate that the impact of extreme climatic events, that are predicted to become more common with climate change, on culturally important tree species is species specific. Management of such species may thus need species specific measures to maintain viable populations and hence provide the basic physical settings for human-nature interactions and associated cultural identities to persist. In this context, our findings that cultural keystone species such as K. excelsa could be drought tolerant is noteworthy, as investing on such species could prove to be beneficial for both local cultures and conservation of native ecosystems and biodiversity.

Rapid Ecosystem Change at the Southern Limit of the Canadian Arctic, Torngat Mountains National Park

Northern protected areas guard against habitat and species loss but are themselves highly vulnerable to environmental change due to their fixed spatial boundaries. In the low Arctic, Torngat Mountains National Park (TMNP) of Canada, widespread greening has recently occurred alongside warming temperatures and regional declines in caribou. Little is known, however, about how biophysical controls mediate plant responses to climate warming, and available observational data are limited in temporal and spatial scope. In this study, we investigated the drivers of land cover change for the 9700 km2 extent of the park using satellite remote sensing and geostatistical modelling. Random forest classification was used to hindcast and simulate land cover change for four different land cover types from 1985 to 2019 with topographic and surface reflectance imagery (Landsat archive). The resulting land cover maps, in addition to topographic and biotic variables, were then used to predict where future shrub expansion is likely to occur using a binomial regression framework. Land cover hindcasts showed a 235% increase in shrub and a 105% increase in wet vegetation cover from 1985/89 to 2015/19. Shrub cover was highly persistent and displaced wet vegetation in southern, low-elevation areas, whereas wet vegetation expanded to formerly dry, mid-elevations. The predictive model identified both biotic (initial cover class, number of surrounding shrub neighbors), and topographic variables (elevation, latitude, and distance to the coast) as strong predictors of future shrub expansion. A further 51% increase in shrub cover is expected by 2039/43 relative to 2014 reference data. Establishing long-term monitoring plots within TMNP in areas where rapid vegetation change is predicted to occur will help to validate remote sensing observations and will improve our understanding of the consequences of change for biotic and abiotic components of the tundra ecosystem, including important cultural keystone species.

Challenges and opportunities for cross-jurisdictional bison conservation in North America

Restoring free-roaming mammals that fill critical ecological roles requires large connected landscapes that cross jurisdictional boundaries. Plains bison, once nearly extirpated from North America, are now confined to several larger free-roaming herds and a number of small fenced herds in regions where they are often managed as livestock rather than wildlife. Although bison reintroduction efforts are rapidly gaining momentum, restoring free-roaming bison remains challenged by real and perceived wildlife-human conflict. Thus, developing a shared vision for bison recovery, or at least understanding and acknowledging diverse visions, could be critical to success. To address this need, we surveyed experts from government, academia, and conservation organizations to evaluate if there is a shared long-term vision for bison, and to identify the most significant challenges, promising strategies, and research priorities for achieving this vision. We found that most respondents support a future with fenced herds as well as more free-roaming (unfenced) herds, and value bison as wildlife and cultural animals, rather than for livestock. Key challenges to achieving more free-roaming bison included political will, social acceptability, and management across jurisdictional boundaries. Respondents identified successful strategies for overcoming barriers as bottom-up collaborations, economic incentives, and demonstration projects. Research priorities were largely social rather than biophysical, with a strong focus on how to motivate broad public support for free-roaming herds. As an ecological and cultural keystone species, restoring large and connected bison herds where human-bison co-existence is feasible will reap rewards for nature and people.

The link between a high-mountain community and ecosystem services of juniper forests in Fann Mountains (Tajikistan)

The indigenous societies of the Fann Mountains were and remain dependent on the resources of the natural environment. The present study aimed at investigating the relationship between mountain communities and the use of ecosystem services that are subject to change due to the influence of social, economic, and political conditions. The study made use of the concept of ecosystem services, which extends the scope of analyses of the socio-ecological system to the sphere of cultural relations. The application of this approach was crucial due to the dominance of juniper forests within the ecological system, given that the juniper, as a result of its connection with religion and local traditions, considered a key species for the mountain societies. The identified structure of the ecosystem services indicates the significance of the juniper in providing the indigenous community with services which, due to the economic situation of the society are characterised by greater value (wood, food, medicine) than cultural ecosystem services. Identification of ecosystem services taking into account the concept of cultural keystone species should be a starting point for the protection and restoration of juniper forest. The results of field and social studies have shown that the stable maintenance of juniper forests ensures the existence of key species as the most important ecosystem services, e.g. provisioning, regulation and maintenance and cultural, indicating the correct relations between the society and the protection of mountain areas. The obtained results showed that the inhabitants claim that juniper forests with the participation of Juniperus semiglobosa and Juniperus seravschanica are the main elements determining not only the functioning of mountain ecosystems, but also the communities living there. This approach is capable of ensuring inclusive management of the socio-ecological system of the Fann Mountains.

Distribution and utilization of homestead windbreak Fukugi (Garcinia subelliptica Merr.) trees: an ethnobotanical approach

BackgroundGarcinia subelliptica (Fukugi in Japanese) is an evergreen tropical tree, first identified in Batanes, the Philippines, which has been planted as a homestead windbreak and in coastal forests extensively on the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. This article focuses on the traditional uses and cultural values of Fukugi trees and provides ethnobotanical information for the conservation scheme of this important tree species.MethodsA combination of ecological and ethnobotanical approaches was applied in this study. Extensive field surveys were conducted to collect dimensions of relatively large trees, and in-depth interviews with the village leaders and knowledgeable persons were conducted to collect ethnobotanical data.ResultsFukugi trees have been primarily planted as homestead or farmland windbreaks. Timber was harvested during difficult times, for example, after WWII, and used for recreational purposes for children or farmers. The fruits were also eaten on some remote islands. Old-growth Fukugi trees are widely found in sacred sites, within cities, and as symbolic trees. The older generations respect Fukugi trees; however, the cultural significance valued by older generation seems to be lacking in the younger generation. We argue that Fukugi is a cultural keystone species in Okinawa, which underpins Ryukyu culture and has transformed islands into a pleasant land, a unique place, and shared identity for the community.ConclusionsFukugi windbreaks provide significant ecosystem services, such as biodiversity in the forest, reducing soil erosion, and spiritual and cultural values. A combination of biophysical environment, as well as tradition and custom, has played an essential role in tree species selection for windbreaks. The positive impacts that anthropogenic activities have had on the sustainability of woody species, namely, the active utilization of tree species, may have enabled the species to sustain. Strategies for protecting old-growth Fukugi trees, in addition to restoration of damaged trees, are needed to improve the sustainable management of Fukugi trees in Okinawa.

Insights into the restoration and sustainable management of Emory oak: A southwestern cultural keystone species

Emory oak acorns are a critically important commodity for Western Apache Tribal Nations, both as a food source and also for cultural and ceremonial uses. The Apache people historically inhabited much of Emory oak's range, but these lands are now divided among many entities, with the majority of trees occurring off-reservation in public domains. Based on observations of diminished acorn production and seedling recruitment, Apache Elders called for restoration and improved management of Emory oaks on public lands to ensure the long-term availability of acorns for Western Apache Tribes. Ecological information is critical to effectively design restoration efforts and successfully manage Emory oak, but little is known about Emory oak’s current ecological status on the landscape. Here, we use Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data to examine factors that influence Emory oak distribution, abundance, and demography, and relate findings to observations made by Tribal Elders. We found that Emory oak distribution was constrained by metrics related to water availability. Drought and fire occurred frequently in Emory oak habitats, highlighting the likely importance of these disturbance events in determining oak population dynamics. Emory oak growth was predicted by environmental variables related to water availability, like physiographic class and elevation, and population characteristics, like stand age and size, but not by land ownership classifications. Interestingly, no environmental variables explained patterns of seedling recruitment and mortality perhaps owing to the stochastic nature of these events and the coarse temporal scale of FIA data in AZ. Drier, warmer conditions projected by climate models was shown to reduce future suitable Emory oak habitat, particularly in central AZ. Restoration efforts should focus on increasing water availability for Emory oaks and reducing the likelihood of high intensity fires. This could be accomplished, in part, by thinning competing vegetation at Emory oaks stands and restoring historical fire regimes. Given projections that suggest drier regional climatic patterns, strategic seed augmentation aimed at enhancing population resilience through selection of drought-adapted genotypes may also be warranted. Data were insufficient to confirm Apache Elders’ observations of diminished acorn production and seedling recruitment, highlighting the need for comprehensive demographic analyses of Emory oaks in the Southwest.

Grizzly and polar bears as nonconsumptive cultural keystone species

Grizzly bears and polar bears often serve as ecological “flagship species” in conservation efforts, but although consumptively used in some areas and cultures they can also be important cultural keystone species even where not hunted. We extend the application of established criteria for defining cultural keystone species to also encompass species with which cultures have a primarily nonconsumptive relationship but that are nonetheless disproportionately important to well-being and identity. Grizzly bears in coastal British Columbia are closely linked to many Indigenous Peoples (including the Haíɫzaqv (Heiltsuk), Kitasoo/Xai’xais, and Nuxalk First Nations), where they are central to the identity, culture, and livelihoods of individuals, families, Chiefs, and Nations. Polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, provide another example as a cultural keystone species for a mixed Indigenous and non-Indigenous community in which many of the livelihood benefits from the species are mediated by economic transactions in a globalized tourism market. We discuss context specificity and questions of equity in sharing of benefits from cultural keystone species. Our expanded definition of cultural keystone species gives broader recognition of the beyond-ecological importance of these species to Indigenous Peoples, which highlights the societal and ecological importance of Indigenous sovereignty and could facilitate the increased cross-cultural understanding critical to reconciliation.