The use of animal body parts for traditional, cultural and medicinal purposes is an ancient tradition endemic to several cultures. Across the globe, several species are persecuted for the perceived potency of their body parts in traditional medicine (zootherapy), cultural ceremonies, crowning heroism and diabolical practices. While it may be important to sustain these traditional believes or cultural practices, it is equally important to protect the species that support them as the decline or extinction of these species endangers the cultures that rely on them. In addition to fostering species conservation, the lost of heathy cultural practices could undercuts the support for pro-biodiversity policies in young people thus playing an important role in shaping the future of biodiversity conservation. The persistence of proconservation support for biodiversity actions largely depends on the current generation’s
ability to raise excitement and awareness (“biophilia”).
Our lab is committed to bridging the gap between theoretical ecological studies and cultural practices by investing cultural norms that create awareness and excitement for species and habitat conservation at intercontinental scales.