Ritualistic hunts: exploring the motivations and conservation implications in West Bengal, India DOI Creative Commons
Neil D’Cruze, Angie Elwin,

Shubhobroto Ghosh

et al.

Nature Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 56, P. 243 - 273

Published: Nov. 21, 2024

Ritualistic hunts are illegal, large, organised cultural events which a prevalent concern in West Bengal from both an animal welfare and conservation perspective. We carried out socio-economic survey with 112 individuals the districts of Jhargram Medinipur to better understand characteristics these hunts, species impacted, drivers motivations communities that engage types illegal activity. Specifically, we asked wild animals were most desirable, profitable, what derivatives hunted used for, perceived have increased rarity. found involve indiscriminate targeted killing wide variety wildlife, including at least 93 inferred (seven categorised on IUCN Red List as threatened (i.e. either Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered); 34 population trend has been declining, 25 listed Schedule I India’s Wildlife Protection Act). meat/food was frequently stated personal use wildlife addition belief-based use, traditional medicine, decorative use. Engagement onward commercial sale also reported by more than third hunters. However, enjoyment identified hunters their main motivation for taking part ritualistic hunts. Despite widespread engagement hunting, majority expressed willingness legal non-consumptive alternatives if they made available. As such, recommend effective law enforcement, further research identify viable inform associated human behaviour change initiatives could help deliver positive transformation people Bengal.

Language: Английский

Hunting indicators for community-led wildlife management in tropical Africa DOI Creative Commons
Davy Fonteyn, Adeline Fayolle, John E. Fa

et al.

npj Biodiversity, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 3(1)

Published: July 18, 2024

Engaging local communities is pivotal for wildlife conservation beyond protected areas, aligning with the 30 × target of Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. We assessed effectiveness 33 offtake indicators, derived from hunter declarations, in monitoring status and extent degradation hunted sourced camera trap surveys faunal composition analysis. The rodents:ungulates ratio mean body mass total emerged as practical robust indicators within hunting systems, significant potential broader application similar tropical forest environments. Our findings provide a blueprint managing conserving natural resources regions through community-based initiatives. Involving stakeholders ensures sustainable use fosters ownership responsibility. This study advances efforts, bridging scientific rigor community engagement effective biodiversity preservation.

Language: Английский

Citations

1
Ritualistic hunts: exploring the motivations and conservation implications in West Bengal, India DOI Creative Commons
Neil D’Cruze, Angie Elwin,

Shubhobroto Ghosh

et al.

Nature Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 56, P. 243 - 273

Published: Nov. 21, 2024

Ritualistic hunts are illegal, large, organised cultural events which a prevalent concern in West Bengal from both an animal welfare and conservation perspective. We carried out socio-economic survey with 112 individuals the districts of Jhargram Medinipur to better understand characteristics these hunts, species impacted, drivers motivations communities that engage types illegal activity. Specifically, we asked wild animals were most desirable, profitable, what derivatives hunted used for, perceived have increased rarity. found involve indiscriminate targeted killing wide variety wildlife, including at least 93 inferred (seven categorised on IUCN Red List as threatened (i.e. either Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered); 34 population trend has been declining, 25 listed Schedule I India’s Wildlife Protection Act). meat/food was frequently stated personal use wildlife addition belief-based use, traditional medicine, decorative use. Engagement onward commercial sale also reported by more than third hunters. However, enjoyment identified hunters their main motivation for taking part ritualistic hunts. Despite widespread engagement hunting, majority expressed willingness legal non-consumptive alternatives if they made available. As such, recommend effective law enforcement, further research identify viable inform associated human behaviour change initiatives could help deliver positive transformation people Bengal.

Language: Английский

Citations

0