Sacred Species and Sites
Advances in Biocultural Conservation

Explores key issues in biocultural diversity, examining species and sites considered to be sacred and their implications for conservation.

Gloria Pungetti (Edited by), Gonzalo Oviedo (Edited by), Della Hooke (Edited by)

9780521110853, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 19 July 2012

500 pages, 157 b/w illus. 26 colour illus. 6 tables
25.5 x 18 x 2.7 cm, 1.16 kg

'Collectively, the fascinating cases in this innovative and substantial book demonstrate the importance for biologists, conservationists, and environmentalists to consider culture and religion in their research and its practical applications. This expertly and skilfully crafted publication is most useful as a reference work, a textbook for a wide range of advanced courses, and as an addition to the rapidly growing body of literature on the subject.' Leslie E. Sponsel, The Quarterly Review of Biology

It is being increasingly recognised that cultural and biological diversity are deeply linked and that conservation programmes should take into account the ethical, cultural and spiritual values of nature. With contributions from a range of scholars, practitioners and spiritual leaders from around the world, this book provides new insights into biocultural diversity conservation. It explores sacred landscapes, sites, plants and animals from around the world to demonstrate the links between nature conservation and spiritual beliefs and traditions. Key conceptual topics are connected to case studies, as well as modern and ancient spiritual insights, guiding the reader through the various issues from fundamental theory and beliefs to practical applications. It looks forward to the biocultural agenda, providing guidelines for future research and practice and offering suggestions for improved integration of these values into policy, planning and management.

Part I. Concepts and Knowledge
Part II. Sacred Landscapes
Part III. Sacred Sites and People
Part IV. Sacred Species
Part V. Sacred Animals
Part VI. Sacred Groves and Plants
Part VII. Implementation and Conclusions.

Subject Areas: Animal ecology [PSVS], Animal behaviour [PSVP], Animal pathology & diseases [PSVL], Animal reproduction [PSVH], Animal physiology [PSVD], Zoology & animal sciences [PSV], Botany & plant sciences [PST], Life sciences: general issues [PSA]