Project R-9363

Biocultural diversity of herpetofauna in South Africa: State and relevance as a science-based policy tool for conservation and social inclusion (Research)

Globally, there is coincidence in the occurrence of biodiversity and cultural (e.g. linguistic) diversity. A growing body of transdisciplinary research is investigating the link between the two diversities as a phenomenon called biocultural diversity. This study recognises that this growing research field is often too broad in its focus and biased in its selection of taxa chosen for analysis. As a remedy for the above-mentioned shortcomings, the current study will investigate biocultural diversity at a national level (in South Africa) and relating to groups of animals previously excluded from analyses: amphibians and reptiles. The project contributes to biodiversity conservation and human development objectives through its alignment with multiple South African and international sustainability strategies.

01 January 2019 - 31 August 2022