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Correspondence between scientific and traditional knowledge: rain forest classification by non-indigenous riberenos in the Peruvian Amazon

Bodmer, Richard E., Halme, K.J. (2007) Correspondence between scientific and traditional knowledge: rain forest classification by non-indigenous riberenos in the Peruvian Amazon. Biodiversity and Conservation, 16 (6). pp. 1785-1801. ISSN 0960-3115. (doi:10.1007/s10531-006-9071-4) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:193)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10531-006-9071-4

Abstract

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is a potential source of ecological information. Typically TEK has been documented at the species level, but habitat data would be equally valuable for conservation applications. We compared the TEK forest type classification of ribereños, the non-indigenous rural peasantry of Peruvian Amazonia, to a floristic classification produced using systematically collected botanical data. Indicator species analysis of pteridophytes in 300 plots detected two forest types on non-flooded tierra firme, each associated with distinct soil texture and fertility, and one forest type in areas subject to flooding. Nine TEK forest types were represented in the same set of plots. Each TEK forest type was consistently (>82%) associated with one of the three floristic classes and there were also clear parallels in the ecological characterizations of the forest types. Ribereños demonstrated clear preferences for certain forest types when selecting sites for slash-and-burn agriculture and hunting. Our results indicate that the non-tribal inhabitants of Amazonia possess valuable TEK that could be used in biodiversity inventories and wildlife management and conservation for characterizing primary rain forest habitats in Amazonia.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1007/s10531-006-9071-4
Uncontrolled keywords: Amazonia; Beta-diversity; Traditional ecological knowledge; Tropical rain forest; Vegetation classification; Wildlife habitat
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation
Depositing User: Nicola Kerry-Yoxall
Date Deposited: 19 Dec 2007 18:02 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 09:39 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/193 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)
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