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Adaptive ecological knowledge among the Ndjuka Maroons of French Guiana; a case study of two 'invasive species': Melaleuca quinquenervia and Acacia mangium.
- Source :
- Journal of Ethnobiology & Ethnomedicine; 7/11/2023, Vol. 19 Issue 1, p1-12, 12p
- Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- Background: To understand how local ecological knowledge changes and adapts, here in the case of the recent introduction of plant species, we report the knowledge and perceptions of the Ndjuka (Maroon) of French Guiana concerning two tree species, Acacia mangium and niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia), which are categorized as "invasive alien plants" in the savannas of their territory. Methods: To this end, semi-structured interviews were conducted between April and July 2022, using a pre-designed questionnaire, plant samples and photographs. The uses, local ecological knowledge, and representations of these species were surveyed among populations of Maroon origin in western French Guiana. All responses to closed questions collected during the field survey were compiled into an Excel spreadsheet in order to perform quantitative analyses, including the calculation of use reports (URs). Results: It appears that the local populations have integrated these two plant species, which are named, used and even traded, into their knowledge systems. On the other hand, neither foreignness nor invasiveness seem to be relevant concepts in the perspective of the informants. The usefulness of these plants is the determining factor of their integration into the Ndjuka medicinal flora, thus resulting in the adaptation of their local ecological knowledge. Conclusion: In addition to highlighting the need for the integration of the discourse of local stakeholders into the management of "invasive alien species," this study also allows us to observe the forms of adaptation that are set in motion by the arrival of a new species, particularly within populations that are themselves the result of recent migrations. Our results furthermore indicate that such adaptations of local ecological knowledge can occur very quickly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- PHYTOTHERAPY
FOCUS groups
ATTITUDE (Psychology)
RESEARCH methodology
AGRICULTURE
ECOLOGY
INTERVIEWING
QUANTITATIVE research
HEALTH literacy
PHYSIOLOGICAL adaptation
SURVEYS
FIELDWORK (Educational method)
BATHS
PSYCHOSOCIAL factors
QUESTIONNAIRES
PHOTOGRAPHY
BUSINESS
RESEARCH funding
VISUAL perception
PUERPERIUM
INDIGENOUS peoples
STATISTICAL sampling
PARTICIPANT observation
DATA analysis software
THEMATIC analysis
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 17464269
- Volume :
- 19
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Ethnobiology & Ethnomedicine
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 164817704
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-023-00602-7