A1 Journal article (refereed)
Convergences and divergences between scientific and Indigenous and Local Knowledge contribute to inform carnivore conservation (2021)

Torrents-Ticó, M., Fernández-Llamazares, Á., Burgas, D., & Cabeza, M. (2021). Convergences and divergences between scientific and Indigenous and Local Knowledge contribute to inform carnivore conservation. Ambio, 50(5), 990-1002. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-020-01443-4

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Torrents-Ticó, Miquel; Fernández-Llamazares, Álvaro; Burgas, Daniel; Cabeza, Mar

Journal or series: Ambio

ISSN: 0044-7447

eISSN: 1654-7209

Publication year: 2021

Volume: 50

Issue number: 5

Pages range: 990-1002

Publisher: Springer; Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

Publication country: Netherlands

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-020-01443-4

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/74211

Abstract

There is increasing recognition that diverse knowledge systems can work in mutually enriching ways and that Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) can enhance biodiversity conservation. However, studies using scientific knowledge and ILK in a complementary manner, and acknowledging convergent and especially divergent insights have remained limited. In this study, we contrasted proxies of abundances and trends of threatened and conflict-prone carnivores (caracal, cheetah, jackal, lion, leopard, spotted hyaena, striped hyaena) derived separately from scientific knowledge and ILK. We conducted camera trapping, track surveys and semi-structured interviews with local pastoralists from northern Kenya. We found convergences highlighting the need for conservation action and divergences suggesting scientific ecological sampling limitations or underlying socio-psychological phenomena. Overall, our study shows that complementing scientific knowledge and ILK as separate sources of information and opening up space for discrepancies can enrich our understanding of the status and trends of carnivores, as well as recognizing human-carnivore relationships.

Keywords: nature conservation; species protection; large predators; predator population; local communities; experiential knowledge; scientific knowledge; spoors

Free keywords: camera trapping; carnivore conservation; indigenous and local knowledge; scientific knowledge; track survey

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2021

JUFO rating: 1