Threatened Biodiversity and Traditional Ecological Knowledge: Associated Beliefs, Customs and Uses of Herpetofauna among the `Are`Are on Malaita Island, Solomon Islands

  • Edgar Maeniuta Pollard Solomon Islands Campus, University of the South Pacific, P.O. Box R241, Honiara
  • Randy Thaman School of Geography, Earth Science and Environment, Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus, Suva
  • Gilianne Brodie School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus, Suva
  • Clare Morrison School of Environment, Griffith University, QLD 4222
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14237/ebl.6.1.2015.389
Keywords: Herpetofauna, Frogs, Lizards, TEK, ’Are’Are, Solomon Islands

Abstract

Biodiversity and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) are in danger of being lost in many societies, especially in the rapidly urbanising Pacific Islands. Herpetofauna, in particular, are globally threatened along with their associated cultural knowledge and beliefs. The aim of this study was to examine the species richness and conservation status of herpetofauna and associated TEK among the `Are`Are on Malaita Island, Solomon Islands. Questionnaire surveys were used to collect and gather information from local informants separated into equal sex and age cohorts. A total of 18 different species of frogs and lizards were recorded and described with seven distinct cultural uses identified. Informants above the age of 60 exhibited greater herpetofaunal knowledge with males slightly more informed than females. Our results clearly show that action must be taken to document and preserve community TEK in the Solomon Islands as a foundational basis for both biodiversity and cultural conservation. 

Author Biographies

Edgar Maeniuta Pollard, Solomon Islands Campus, University of the South Pacific, P.O. Box R241, Honiara

Edgar J. M. Pollard’s expertise and interests include biodiversity and conservation, herpetofauna, use and documentation of traditional ecological knowledge and Pacific histories and cultures.

Randy Thaman, School of Geography, Earth Science and Environment, Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus, Suva

Randy Thaman is an Emeritus Professor of Pacific Islands Biogeography at the University of the South Pacific. Areas of expertise are ethnobiology, conservation, sustainable island development, biodiversity, agroforestry, food systems, and traditional environmental knowledge.

Gilianne Brodie, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus, Suva
Gilianne Brodie is an Associate Professor in Biology at the University of the South Pacific. Areas of expertise are island biodiversity, conservation, invertebrates, taxonomy and merging traditional indigenous knowledge into mainstream science, and natural resource management.
Clare Morrison, School of Environment, Griffith University, QLD 4222
Clare Morrison is a Research Fellow in the School of Environment, Griffith University. Areas of expertise are conservation, herpetofauna, taxonomy, local capacity building, and sustainable use of natural resources.

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Ethnobiology Letters Cover, Volume 6, Issue 1, 2015
Published
2015-08-24
How to Cite
Pollard, E. M., Thaman, R., Brodie, G., & Morrison, C. (2015). Threatened Biodiversity and Traditional Ecological Knowledge: Associated Beliefs, Customs and Uses of Herpetofauna among the `Are`Are on Malaita Island, Solomon Islands. Ethnobiology Letters, 6(1), 99-110. https://doi.org/10.14237/ebl.6.1.2015.389
Issue
Vol 6 No 1 (2015)
Section
Research Communications

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