Role of local culture, religion, and human attitudes in the conservation of sacred populations of a threatened ‘pest’ species

摘要: Indigenous belief systems and informal institutions that result in the conservation of wild species or sites exemplify biocultural conservation. The erosion cultural beliefs practices can have adverse, often severe, consequences for biodiversity. We explored relationships among institutions, religion, human attitudes toward sacred populations a threatened, endemic species, Sclater’s monkey (Cercopithecus sclateri), two communities southeastern Nigeria. Due to habitat loss hunting pressure across species’ range, monkeys these live alongside people, raid farms gardens, are commonly viewed as pests. Using structured (n = 410) semi-structured (n = 21) interviews, we examined factors influencing residents’ views monkeys, mechanisms affecting adherence social taboos against harming implications Our analyses revealed most residents, particularly those from one community, women, farmers, held negative opinions monkeys. Crop garden raiding by had adverse effect on people’s attitudes. Although adoption Christianity weakened regarding no-killing taboos, continued was influenced supernatural retribution site community disapproval other. Only widely conferred symbolic importance Such differences illustrate value local understanding Pre-intervention studies this nature allow development locally culturally sensitive programs, well better-informed assessments what interventions likely be effective.