Traditional Ecological Knowledge Research Articles

Unveiling Social Dynamics in People's Perception of Raptors to Guide Effective Conservation Strategies

Ethnoscientific approaches offer valuable tools for exploring human–nature relationships, making them useful for developing effective conservation strategies. Raptors, which are birds of prey, face significant conservation threats worldwide, with human persecution being a leading factor in their population decline. Urgent conservation strategies are needed, particularly in regions of high raptor diversity like the tropical Andes. In this study, we employed semistructured questionnaires and logistic models to investigate how demographic factors, economic activity, and traditional knowledge shape people's perceptions of raptors in rural communities of the Ecuadorian Andes. These communities have historically experienced poverty and inequality, and our approach takes into account their local realities to provide conservation recommendations. Our findings reveal that traditional ecological knowledge provides a broad understanding of human–raptor relations, and that raptors are viewed as both providers of ecosystem services and disservices. Additionally, social demographics, such as gender and educational level, can influence people's perception of raptors. Based on these results, we can promote conservation actions from a local to global level. Ethnoecological approaches offer diverse conservation opportunities that can vary based on different local contexts. In addition to conventional measures such as environmental education programs, poultry management, and landscape preservation, it is essential to consider the political ecology of specific sites, particularly in regions of the Global South where poverty and inequality are closely intertwined with social and environmental injustices. As such, policy making to alleviate poverty and inequality in rural communities in Ecuador and other Andean countries; and science decolonization to make conservation more inclusive are crucial for human well-being and successful and lasting conservation actions for raptors and biodiversity.

Integration of Indigenous Research Methodologies, Traditional Ecological Knowledge and molecular scatology in an assessment of mesocarnivore presence, diet and habitat use on Yurok Ancestral Lands.

Partnerships between Tribes and researchers in wildlife monitoring and application of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) have taken a variety of forms, and some scholars have noted a need for culturally sensitive approaches. Guided by Indigenous Research Methodologies, this research is coupled with Yurok TEK, or hlkelonah 'ue-megetohl ('to take care of the earth'), enabling an applied, culturally sensitive approach in partnership with the Yurok Tribe. We present results from a molecular scatology study of wildlife within the ancestral territory of the Yurok Tribe. Scats were collected opportunistically on road transects. All samples (N = 132) were analysed via DNA barcoding and results matched to documented 'Oohl 'we-toh (Yurok language) names to determine the depositor species (N = 8). Though there were four focal mesocarnivore species in our study, only bobcat (Chmuuek; Lynx rufus) and gray fox (Wergers; Urocyon cinereoargenteus) were detected as depositor species. Post hoc analyses were conducted to explore distribution, habitat use and selection in a use-availability context, and food habits of these two species. We found almost complete separation of bobcat and gray fox use of transects, as well as indication of partitioning of vegetation cover types and food. We demonstrate an integrated framework of Western and Indigenous sciences that allows the Indigenous researcher to transcend structured academic disciplinary boundaries. Our approach can be modified for partnerships between Tribes, agencies, academics and students for wildlife monitoring in broader geographic regions in various research applications.

SEA TURTLES OF THE BENIN COAST: PRESSURE AND ETHNOZOOLOGY

Sea turtles are threatened by factors associated with overfishing. To identify these factors, we investigated the fishing pressure and the ethnozoological knowledge of turtles along the Benin coast. A questionnaire-based field survey was undertaken in 48 villages on the Atlantic coast through structured interviews. In total, 479 fishermen and 15 traditional healers were interviewed between July and August, 2020. The Use Value in terms of the types of utilisation of the body parts of the turtles, and the frequency of citation, were calculated. More than eighty percent of the interviewees confirmed the use of turtles for food, medicine, and artisanal purposes. Communities demonstrated nonspecific preference for the four-known species -- leatherback turtle, Olive Ridley turtle, green turtle, or hawksbill turtle --within the research area. The flesh is the most used body part (Use Value = 1.5 for food). Body parts of turtles such as the fat, bones etc. are used to treat several diseases, particularly asthma, fever, hypertension, cough, colds, epilepsy, brittle bones in children, and paralysis. The test used shows that the Use Values of sea turtles vary significantly at the 5% threshold from one sociolinguistic group to another. Our research indicates that integrating traditional ecological knowledge on animal-based food and medicines could be extremely useful when developing strategies for sustainable management and conservation of marine species, and in particular sea turtles.

Aligning Gross National Happiness, Sustainable Development Goals, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge: A Path to Holistic Well-being

To promote sustainable development and holistic well-being, this article examines the connections between Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Gross National Happiness (GNH). GNH emphasizes environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic advancement, but the SDGs provide a complete framework for tackling global issues. With its roots in local and indigenous populations, TEK offers essential perspectives on environmental management and cultural preservation. By giving marginalized populations more authority, TEK integration into development plans improves biodiversity protection, guarantees the preservation of indigenous knowledge, and advances social justice. By acknowledging the interdependence of the material, spiritual, and environmental aspects of well-being, we may build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable futures.

Harmony and Sustainability: Traditional Ecological Knowledge Systems of the Kaluppini Indigenous People

The existence of knowledge of local indigenous local knowledge in natural resource management has experienced a shift. This research aims to reveal the forms of wise tought of the natural environment by the Kaluppini indigenous people, and to reveal how the Kaluppini community maintains the ecological knowledge systems. This research used ethnographic methods. It is a qualitative research procedure for describing, analyzing, and interpreting elements of a cultural group such as behavior patterns, beliefs, and language that develop over time. Data analysis techniques are processed. The collected data was analyzed by using Berkes' theory (1980). The research results show that the Kaluppini indigenous people maintain their traditional ecological knowledge from time time. First, traditional institutions which include the role of traditional stakeholders along with the legal system and rules for implementing traditional rituals, play a core role in maintaining harmony between society and the environment. Second, ethical land management in the form of traditional agricultural methods, pest and disease control, crop rotation systems, selection of plant varieties, and efficient irrigation systems support agricultural sustainability. Third, the existence of myths related to nature produces a respectful attitude towards the surrounding natural environment. Finally, the implementation of zoning reflects a wise policy to conserve natural resources while meeting community needs. It is important to recognize that most regions in Indonesia are currently facing serious challenges in the form of the climate crisis, including the phenomenon of long droughts that threaten agricultural activities and daily life. However, the Kaluppini community stands out as a unique example amidst this changing climate. 

Advancing arboriculture through human and tree ecology

This paper explores the significance of ecosystem functions in maintaining the health and balance of ecological systems, particularly in the context of planning, managing, and maintaining trees in landscape settings. It emphasises the multifaceted relationship between humans and trees, encompassing cultural, ecological, economic, and emotional connections, and underscores the value of traditional ecological knowledge alongside empirical science. By combining these two ways of knowing, along with social science insights into human health and well-being, future landscapes can be crafted to be sustainable, diverse, and functional. As urbanisation continues to shape landscapes globally, urban planners face the challenge of managing rapidly changing environments. Urban forestry and arboriculture have emerged to address these challenges, aiming to enhance environmental quality and human well-being. The concept of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) has gained traction, recognising the importance of integrating natural systems into urban planning to address environmental challenges while preserving functional ecosystems. This paper advocates for an enhanced understanding of tree and human ecology to navigate the complex relations between trees, people, and their environments. It calls for interdisciplinary collaboration, research, and education to inform policy, assess environmental impacts, and widen approaches to ecosystem management. By monitoring ecosystem health and collaborating across disciplines, arboriculturists and urban foresters can shape resilient practices for tree conservation and sustainable urban development. In conclusion, integrating tree ecology into urban planning and management practices is essential for ensuring the health, resilience, and sustainability of tree populations and the ecosystems they inhabit. By embracing a holistic understanding of trees and their environments, professionals can contribute to shaping future landscapes that support both human well-being and biodiversity.

Nose of dog, eye of elk, and wolf’s liver: exploring the interconnectedness of Indigenous health and foraging among the Dukha reindeer herders of Mongolia

ABSTRACT Recent studies show that Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of Indigenous Peoples’ food systems and the transfer of that knowledge to their children are critical to physical and mental health, promote the transfer of language and culture, and further resilience. The aim of this exploratory, medical ecological study was to document TEK about foraging and plant use among the Dukha, a small, semi-nomadic reindeer herding community in Northern Mongolia. Field research was conducted at multiple remote camps in 2019 and 2023. Methods included semi-structured, open-ended interviews (N = 16), photo identification, and participant observation (N = 34 families). Study Informants identified 27 foraged plants. Results placed Dukha foraging practices within a framework illustrating the interconnectedness of their worldview and cultural norms, including the physical and spiritual aspects of the landscape, with health, illness, and curing. Dukha curative knowledge of the flora aligns with both Traditional Mongolian Medicine (TMM) and scientific studies on healing and preventative care. Through foraging and plant use, the Dukha balance relationships with the land and spirits, benefit from better nutrition and physical activity, utilise healing qualities of indigenous flora, and foster the intergenerational transfer of language and traditional knowledge.

“It's good for the forest and it's traditional”: Indigenous ecologies and land management at the community/NGO interface in southern Belize

AbstractIn 2019, the Maya Leaders Alliance unveiled “The Future We Dream,” a vision document sharing a common interest among the Mopan and Q'eqchi’ Maya people of Belize for a future in which they are committed to sustaining a reciprocal relationship with and stewardship of the land. In this context, this paper shares results from three communities bordering a forest reserve who were asked to identify important practices, which they considered “traditional” and “environmentally sustainable,” as part of a collaborative NGO project to promote indigenous forest management. Through analysis of data collected alongside Indigenous Community Promoters (ICPs), it explores how these terms were defined and deployed to discuss healthy forests and healthy communities. The paper discusses how collaborative and community‐led data collection addresses both the need to decolonize sustainability discourse and produce better data for better project outcomes (Maya, traditional ecological knowledge, forest management, environmental sustainability, indigenous land rights).

Impact of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic on food security among Ho indigenous community of Jharkhand, India

Abstract Background Food insecurity and hunger are global concerns further exacerbated by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need to understand the depth of this impact, especially among smallholder farmers, and recognize specific coping strategies that offered resilience to inform preparedness in future. The present cross-sectional study assessed the impact of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic on different dimensions of food security among smallholder farmers of Ho indigenous community of Jharkhand, India. It also explored potential resilient attributes of their food systems. Results Most of the respondents (67.2%) reported reduced food consumption at the household (HH) level. Majority faced difficulty in accessing food from different food sources; however, easier access to government food security programmes was highlighted. Around 40% reported change in their ability to purchase farming inputs. Market vendors reported disruptions in food procurement owing to travel restrictions; however, no change was reported for home-produced foods in agricultural lands/kitchen gardens. Prices of indigenous foods produced locally decreased/remained same; however, for cereals, pulses, and other HH staples, prices increased during second wave. Difficulty in accessing wild food environment (OR: 1.7, CI 0.40, 7.75), change in food prices (OR: 19.9, CI 5.25, 76.02), decrease in HH income (OR: 9.2, CI 2.99, 28.60) were found to be significantly associated with reduction in HH food consumption (p < 0.01). The coping strategies adopted by the community included sale of cultivated and wild produce in local weekly markets to ensure additional income. Conclusions The findings highlight the need to reinforce the traditional ecological knowledge of the Ho community and focus on practices around their food systems, engrained into their socio-cultural ecosystems that may offer resilience against future stresses. In addition, the need of systemic support to ensure the social and economic well-being of the community needs to be prioritized.

An Initial Assessment of Community Values, Rules, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Mount Hermon, Lebanon: Key Perspectives towards Biocultural Conservation

An Initial Assessment of Community Values, Rules, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Mount Hermon, Lebanon: Key Perspectives towards Biocultural Conservation

Integrating Indigenous women’s traditional knowledge for climate change in Canada

Traditional Ecological Knowledge has historically been appropriated by White settler societies across the globe. It has an important role to play in environmental decision-making, particularly in climate policy. Due to past colonization and continued neo-colonial pressures, Indigenous women’s Traditional Ecological Knowledge has an even less prominent position in environmental policies. Traditional Ecological Knowledge can help build local expertise, formulate research questions, and provide insights into community adaptation and monitoring. We explore the case of Canadian environmental policy, arguing that although Canadian rhetoric seems to consider Traditional Ecological Knowledge, both women’s and otherwise, it rarely does so. When included, it is only done in a superficial manner within legal requirements. We suggest that the lack of attention paid to Indigenous women’s Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Canadian environmental decision-making (1) ignores the disproportionate impacts that Indigenous women experience because of climate change, (2) perpetuates gender blindness, and (3) does not recognize the key insights that women’s Traditional Ecological Knowledge can offer.

Plant species composition and diversity in traditional agroforestry landscapes on Siberut Island, West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Indra G, Mukhtar E, Syamsuardi, Chairul, Mansyurdin. 2024. Plant species composition and diversity in traditional agroforestry landscapes on Siberut Island, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1286-1296. The research conducted on Siberut Island, situated in the western part of Sumatra, focuses on traditional communities practicing an agroforestry land management system. This study aimed to identify the plant species within agroforestry land, their respective uses, and techniques for adapting these species to the landscape in two villages, Matotonan in South Siberut District and Bojakan in North Siberut District, Mentawai Islands. Data collection involved direct observation, unstructured interviews for plant species utilization, and transects with a 10m width along contour lines for landscape data. The findings revealed that Siberut's traditional agroforestry land, known as "Pomunean," is divided into Tinugglu and Mone categories based on land slope, proximity to riverbanks, and planted species. Plant species in agroforestry land served nine primary purposes, including staple and additional food, construction, furniture, medicine, firewood, traditional rituals, and commercial activities. Tinugglu land exhibited a higher Landscape Utilization Value Index (LUVI) at 57% compared to Mone land (43%). Regarding specific plant types, Metroxylon sago (Bojakan) and Durio zybethinus (Matotonan) had the highest LUVI values. These findings shed light on the vital role that traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable land management play in maintaining the delicate balance between human livelihoods and the preservation of natural ecosystems.

Towards enhanced climate change adaptation: using traditional ecological knowledge to understand the environmental effects of urban growth in Abuja, Nigeria

Towards enhanced climate change adaptation: using traditional ecological knowledge to understand the environmental effects of urban growth in Abuja, Nigeria

What did it used to look like? A case study from tall, wet mainland Mountain Ash forests prior to British invasion

AbstractThere has been extensive commentary about historical First Nations' land management in Australia, including in tall, wet forests, and therefore their condition at the time of the British invasion in 1788. Popular texts have interpreted records kept by early British invaders to argue that extensive areas of tall, wet forest were kept open through frequent burning by the First Peoples. However, these interpretations conflict with historical and ecological evidence, which is rarely acknowledged in public discourse. Here, we present evidence about what Victorian Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans) forests were like at the time of the British invasion. We show that at the time of the British invasion, most areas of mainland Mountain Ash forests were likely to have been naturally dense and wet, with: (1) overstorey trees spaced relatively widely; and (2) an understorey consisting of a cool temperate rainforest mesic layer. Ecological and physiological evidence suggests that Mountain Ash forests evolved under conditions where high‐severity wildfire was comparatively rare, leading to patterns of landscape‐level cover dominated by relatively mature forests. This is broadly consistent with reports from the First Peoples, early historical accounts, paintings, and photographs. These forests were not open or park‐like, as may have been the case in some other Australian vegetation types. However, these forests were not wilderness, but places of significance to the First Peoples. Understanding forest structure at the time of the British invasion is critically important in establishing historical reference conditions for guiding appropriate restoration programmes, especially the reinstatement of traditional ecological knowledge, after long periods of post‐British invasion disturbance and degradation. Notably, the dense, wet understorey that characterizes Mountain Ash forests should be recognized as an inherent and entirely natural part of the ecological dynamics of this ecosystem, with approaches to thin, burn, or remove it highly likely to be counterproductive and have a range of detrimental environmental effects.

Future drought risk and adaptation of pastoralism in Eurasian rangelands

Drought risk threatens pastoralism in rangelands, which are already under strain from climatic and socioeconomic changes. We examine the future drought risk (2031–2060 and 2071–2100) to rangeland productivity across Eurasia (West, Central, and East Asia) using a well-tested process-based ecosystem model and projections of five climate models under three shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios of low (SSP1−2.6), medium (SSP3−7.0), and high (SSP5−8.5) warming relative to 1985–2014. We employ a probabilistic approach, with risk defined as the expected productivity loss induced by the probability of hazardous droughts (determined by a precipitation-based index) and vulnerability (the response of rangeland productivity to hazardous droughts). Drought risk and vulnerability are projected to increase in magnitude and area across Eurasian rangelands, with greater increases in 2071–2100 under the medium and high warming scenarios than in 2031–2060. Increasing risk in West Asia is caused by longer and more intense droughts and vulnerability, whereas higher risk in Central and East Asia is mainly associated with increased vulnerability, indicating overall risk is higher where vulnerability increases. These findings suggest that future droughts may exacerbate livestock feed shortages and negatively impact pastoralism. The results have practical implications for rangeland management that should be adapted to the ecological and socioeconomic contexts of the different countries in the region. Existing traditional ecological knowledge can be promoted to adapt to drought risk and embedded in a wider set of adaptation measures involving management improvements, social transformations, capacity building, and policy reforms addressing multiple stakeholders.

Heuvelmans the Heretic and Hidden Animals

Cryptozoology seeks to study ‘hidden animals’ by separating ‘metaphors and similes’ from possible underlying insight. Variously described as a science, pseudoscience, or fringe field, cryptozoology may be viewed under the lenses of both heterodox science and orthodox science. Cryptozoology is heterodox in its unconventional methods and strategy; its ‘fuzzy’ data in the form of circumstantial and testimonial evidence; and its mostly amateur investigators. Cryptozoology also borrows from orthodox science, and in recent years may have influenced orthodox science: traditional ecological knowledge, pioneered in cryptozoology, is beginning to enter ‘mainstream’ scientific research, and these data have facilitated recent zoological (re)discoveries. Some contemporary cryptozoological studies have also applied more orthodox and rigorous statistical methodology. Controversial photographic taxonomy has been applied in both crypto- and conventional zoology, and cryptozoology has been investigated by qualified scientists at reputable institutions and in reputable academic journals. Cryptozoological methods, when applied more scrupulously, may have some unrealised scientific potential.

Coproductive Capacities Support Implementation of Ecuador’s Sangay-Podocarpus Connectivity Corridor

Despite increasing expertise and resources for planning ecological corridors, initiatives face implementation challenges in integrating science and governance. The coproductive capacities framework identifies normative, cognitive, social, and material factors that support scientifically-informed action. This study asked how coproductive capacities enable transition from planning to implementation in the Sangay-Podocarpus Connectivity Corridor (Corredor de Conectividad Sangay-Podocarpus; CCSP), Ecuador’s first designated corridor, linking multiple national parks with extraordinary biodiversity. We assessed capacities through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with CCSP stakeholders. We find that the CCSP possesses strong normative capacities with a shared vision for social-ecological wellbeing and understanding of threats. Cognitive capacities are supported by biophysical science but lack integration with social science and Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Social capacities vary depending on scale. Material capacities are compromised by insufficient funding and human resources. Corridor implementation depends on strong, diverse, highly interdependent capacities, which highlights the need for targeted capacity-building to sustain effective connectivity conservation.

The conflict between Rights of Nature and mining in Ecuador: Implications of the Los Cedros Cloud Forest case for biodiversity conservation

Abstract Global emergence of Rights of Nature (RoN) has gained momentum since Ecuador became the first country to constitutionally recognize it in 2008. The shift from perceiving nature as an object, to granting it legal subjecthood, can revolutionize protection of ecological systems. In 2021, Ecuador's Constitutional Court issued a landmark ruling, halting mining in the Los Cedros Protected Forest. Three pillars form the basis for legal protection of Los Cedros: (i) the right to timely, Free Prior Informed Environmental Consultation, (ii) application of the Precautionary Principle in risk to RoN, and (iii) the Right to Water. We analyse the Court ruling to identify legal frameworks applied then map and rank mining risk to other protected forests, Indigenous territories, unprotected native ecosystems, biodiversity and areas of water resource conflict to determine potential scale of conflict between mining and RoN. 7813 mining concessions of 22,812km2 overlay 9.2% of Ecuadorian mainland, 2323 concessions (29.7%) overlap 16,081km2 of protected forest (4781 km2, 20%), Indigenous territory (6473 km2, 8%) and native vegetation outside protected areas and Indigenous territories (13,390 km2, 9%). With 80% of their protected forests at risk from large‐scale mining, the most impacted Indigenous communities are the Shuar. Synthesis and applications: The Los Cedros legal case in Ecuador sets a precedent for using RoN to challenge mining in 4781 km2 of similar Protected Forest, with potential to protect an additional 16,081 km2 of Indigenous lands and biologically important ecosystems. However, lack of biological data for these areas will necessitate extensive data collection, possibly through community‐empowering citizen science. Our study emphasizes the urgent need to integrate indigenous and traditional ecological knowledge (ITEK), law and ecology. We propose a new transdisciplinary field of ‘ecological forensics’ to support nature protection within the RoN framework. Our research also identifies areas where RoN could effectively protect nature and that are likely to be of high investment risk for the mining industry. The final recommendation is to reconsider mining concessions in Ecuador, especially in ecologically sensitive areas, Indigenous territories, high biodiversity areas, and regions with water resource conflicts, to maintain ecological integrity and social harmony. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

State of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in the wildlife management profession

AbstractTraditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), described as the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the ecosystem, has always been part of Indigenous communities and their daily lives; however, TEK has progressively been incorporated into the academic and professional field of North American wildlife management and ecology despite its historical domination by Western scientific attitudes, knowledge, and methods. The objective of this note is to provide an overview of such progression from the standpoint of the first author, an Indigenous professional trained in a Western scientific paradigm. More specifically, the paper categorizes the history and the current state of TEK in the wildlife management profession while providing insights for the future of the field.

Local knowledge of homegarden plants in Miao ethnic communities in Laershan region, Xiangxi area, China

BackgroundHomegardens are small-scale land use systems with significant implications for local livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development due to their diverse flora and fauna. Conducting homegarden surveys enables researchers to gain insights into the traditional ecological knowledge of indigenous communities, preserve homegarden biodiversity, and promote sustainable livelihoods. This study has two objectives: first, to collect, record, and organize data on homegarden plants and related traditional knowledge from three communities in the Laershan Plateau, and second, to analyze the species and functional diversity of homegarden plants in the region while exploring the factors that contribute to the heterogeneous distribution of these plants among the communities of three townships.MethodsThis research employed field surveys in the Laershan Miao Autonomous Region in Xiangxi, China, from September 2021 to August 2023. Data were collected through observation and semi-structured interviews. The study utilized descriptive statistics and quantitative analysis, including the Relative Importance Value (RI), Use Value Index (UV), Jaccard Index (JI), and Comprehensive Index of Land Use Degree (La), to examine the diversity of local homegarden plants and related traditional knowledge, as well as community heterogeneity.ResultsThe study area exhibited rich biodiversity, with 152 plant species recorded belonging to 62 families and 124 genera. These findings highlight the importance of homegarden plants in maintaining ecological balance and enhancing system resilience against disturbances. Homegarden plants serve multiple functions such as food, ornamental, medicinal, and fodder purposes, with edible and trade plants having the most abundant knowledge. Furthermore, this research revealed that communities with similar forest resource compositions may have similar homegarden plant compositions, demonstrating the connection between cultural exchange among different communities and patterns of plant species distribution.ConclusionsThe Laershan region boasts diverse homegarden plant species crucial for ecological balance and resilience. Their multifunctionality reflects human impact. Plant diversity varies with residents' lifestyles, needs, and cultural exchanges. The close connection between plants and local life is clear. Factors like resource distribution, cultural exchange, and lifestyle influence plant distribution. Further research is needed for conservation and sustainable development. Future research should focus on culturally valuable plant species and traditional knowledge applications.