Popular Cultural Keystone Species are also understudied — the case of the camphor tree (Dryobalanops aromatica)

Dados Bibliográficos

ID19587201
AutoresE Petter Axelsson (0000-0002-0906-8365, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, autor correspondente), F M Franco (0000-0001-8036-096X, Universiti Brunei Darussalam)
Ano2023
Volume13
Páginas100416
Data de publicação2023-09-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoTrees Forests and People (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 2666-7193 • E-ISSN: 2666-7193
EditoraElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.tfp.2023.100416
OpenAlexW4384701600
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas3
Referências citadas34

Along with landscape degradation and loss of biodiversity occurring in local and global scales, there is also a co-occurring loss of cultural and linguistic diversity, i.e., when species become rare, there is a corresponding loss of cultural practices and linguistic elements associated with that species. Although cultural assessments of tree species can help in identifying Cultural Keystone Species (CKS) and be used to enhance the cultural relevance of conservation actions, such information is typically lacking for endangered species were the cultural connections may already have been lost. Here, we review historic written accounts to assess the cultural status of the critically endangered camphor tree, Dryobalanops aromatica, native to SE Asia and recognized for its camphor and crystals forming in the wood. We found that despite centuries of use, the importance of the tree for specific cultures has not been fully understood. Published literature indicate that it could be a CKS to multiple communities. The tree was once culturally significant for many cultures in its native range and beyond, but contemporary data is lacking, especially in respect to persistence and memory of use in relation to cultural change. By virtue of being a culturally recognized tree species, as well as having a distinct ecological role within its natural distribution, we propose D. aromatica as a useful flagship species for conservation and restoration of the habitat it defines. Our review highlights historic accounts as useful starting points for identifying CKS and effective conservation of biocultural diversity, especially concerning endangered species. We propose that future research should give attention to inter and intra-community dynamics of knowledge on the species, and causes and consequences of varying cultural importance across temporal and spatial scales

Biodiversity · Biology · Critically endangered · Endangered species · Flagship Species · Geography · Habitat · Keystone species · Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants Studies · Pacific and Southeast Asian Studies · Plant and animal studies · Ecology