Integrating traditional knowledge when it appears to conflict with conservation: lessons from the discovery and protection of sitatunga in Ghana

摘要: Cultural traditions can conflict with modern conservation goals when they promote damage to fragile environments or the harvest of imperiled species. We explore whether and how traditional, culturally motivated species exploitation nonetheless aid by examining recent "discovery" in Avu Lagoon, Ghana, sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii gratus), a familiar locals, but not previously scientifically recorded Ghana regionally assumed extinct. Specifically, we investigate what role traditional beliefs, allied hunting practices, associated ecological knowledge have played species' discovery subsequent community-based conservation; might influence future outcomes; may themselves be shaped efforts. Our study serves exemplify complexities, risks, benefits building efforts around beliefs. Complexities arise from localized variation beliefs (with cultural significance much stronger one village than others), progressive dilution worldviews mainstream religions, context dependence, both geographically, reliability knowledge. Among benefits, highlight (1) information on distribution habitat needs that help discover, rediscover, manage taxa if appropriately paired scientific data collection; (2) enhanced sustainability given cultivation mutual trust, respect, understanding between researchers local communities. In turn, attention traditionally important reinvigorate diversity promoting persistence belief systems alongside religions.