An ontological crisis? A review of large felid conservation in India

摘要: The need for a solid knowledge base to inform conservation activity is now universally recognised. We critically scrutinised the scientific of large felids in India located peer-reviewed research papers assess information available make landscape-level management decisions that aid conservation, which stated goal both Indian government and international community. found two striking patterns: biological sciences dominate published literature, nearly all has been carried out protected areas, though substantial number also live outside areas. argue these patterns are not incidental, but result dualistic ontology science uses processes ‘purification’ ‘translation’ fit complex realities into disciplinary prerogatives organised around creating dichotomies (like nature–culture). In addition, since this body locates ‘pure’ landscapes, there little or no insight from multi-use landscapes. These findings, we believe, highlight important gaps our present research-based India, urgently be addressed if progress made conservation.