Integrating ethnobiological knowledge into biodiversity conservation in the Eastern Himalayas

Area of Science:

• Ethnobotany and Conservation Biology
• Biocultural Diversity Studies
• Ecological Anthropology

Background:

• Biocultural knowledge offers crucial insights for ecological processes and local conservation.
• Underutilization of biocultural knowledge stems from fragmented records in diverse sources.
• The Eastern Himalayas, particularly Sikkim, India, presents a unique case for studying biocultural diversity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and apply ethnobiological knowledge for biodiversity conservation in the Eastern Himalayas.
• To trace the history and trends of ethnobiological documentation in Sikkim.
• To identify priority species and habitats, and analyze community-specific knowledge and management practices.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of ethnobiological publications from Sikkim.
• Identification of priority species and habitat types through literature and fieldwork.
• Analysis of intra- and inter-community variations in species use and management.
• Application of rank indices and geospatial modeling for data integration.

Main Results:

• Sikkim is identified as a biocultural hotspot, encompassing six ethnic communities and 1128 interacting species.
• Ethnobiological documentation in Sikkim has increased exponentially since the mid-1800s.
• Significant biocultural knowledge resides with aging, gendered, and specific ethnic/caste groups, often unwritten.
• Documented species are predominantly wild or wild-cultivated, native to subtropical/temperate forests, and include IUCN Red List species.

Conclusions:

• Engaging local knowledge holders is vital for effective conservation strategies.
• Further ethnobiological research is essential for the Eastern Himalayas.
• An interdisciplinary approach integrating diverse datasets supports evidence-based policymaking for conservation.