The Intrinsic Value of African Carnivores: Loss or Suppression?

Western paradigms and values have dominated the management and conservation of African carnivores for several decades. This dominance spreads across the different policy positions, including the question of consumptive use. An... [ view full abstract ]

Western paradigms and values have dominated the management and conservation of African carnivores for several decades. This dominance spreads across the different policy positions, including the question of consumptive use. An examination of cultures across Africa reveals a very intricate tapestry unerringly woven around the people and the abundant biodiversity they interacted with over generations, particularly carnivores because of their mystique. Male children were often named after charismatic wild carnivores, and myths told about them. In spite of this relationship, the study and practice of conservation in Africa is dominated by the assumption of indifference, ignorance, or hostility towards wildlife from the locals. The low regard in which most conservation practitioners hold indigenous knowledge can be seen in the amount of resources spent on ‘awareness campaigns’ amongst the communities who actually live with the wildlife. The current practice is to put a lot of effort into emphasizing extrinsic values, like tourism or sport hunting, while ignoring or actively suppressing indigenous values. I will provide examples of how this removes indigenous people from the discourse on conservation, thus alienating the most important partner in the survival of the species. I will also illustrate how incorporating indigenous cultural perspectives can result in conservation initiatives that are successful and socially sustainable.