Konwar, Abhijit and Radhakrishna, Sindhu
(2026)
Looking beneath the scales: Does local ecological knowledge and environmental values better inform conservation of cryptic species?
Ambio: A Journal of Environment and Society.
Full text not available from this repository.
| Abstract: |
Local ecological knowledge is acknowledged to be a valuable source of information about wildlife; however, it is not clear whether it can be mobilized appropriately for wildlife conservation. Using pangolins as a case study in Assam state, north-eastern India, we explored whether local ecological knowledge (LEK) and environmental values can inform the distribution and conservation of cryptic and threatened species. We employed semi-structured interviews to document forest-dwelling communities’ knowledge regarding species occurrence, habitat use, and population status and their beliefs and values in relation to pangolins. Findings from our study show that LEK is a reliable tool for detecting cryptic species, with older respondents exhibiting higher likelihood of pangolin recognition. Value analysis revealed a strong inclination towards illegal hunting and trade, highlighting the conservation challenges involved in protecting a cryptic wildlife species. We advocate the need to integrate LEK and environmental values for holistic conservation strategies of cryptic species. |
| Item Type: |
Journal Paper
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| Subjects: |
School of Natural and Engineering Sciences > Animal Behaviour
School of Natural and Engineering Sciences > Animal Studies |
| Divisions: |
Schools > Natural Sciences and Engineering |
| Date Deposited: |
02 Mar 2026 11:34 |
| Last Modified: |
20 Mar 2026 09:34 |
| Official URL: |
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13280-0... |
| Related URLs: |
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| Funders: |
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| Projects: |
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| DOI: |
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-026-02367-1 |
| URI: |
http://eprints.nias.res.in/id/eprint/3254 |
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