Author:
Fongnzossie Evariste Fedoung,Ngansop Marlène Tounkam,Oishi Takanori,Biwole Achille Bernard,Biye Elvire Hortense,Ichikawa Mitsuo
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Baka hunter-gatherers have a well-developed traditional knowledge of using plants for a variety of purposes including hunting and fishing. However, comprehensive documentation on the use of plants for hunting and fishing in eastern Cameroon is still lacking.
Method
This study aimed at recording plants used for hunting and fishing practices, using focus group discussion, interviews and field surveys with 165 Baka members (90 men and 75 women) of different age groups in 6 villages.
Results
The most frequent techniques used for hunting and fishing are the use of animal traps, fishing lines, dam fishing, hunting with dogs and spear hunting. We recorded a total of 176 plant species used in various hunting practices, the most frequently cited one being Zanthoxylum gilletii (De Wild.) P.G.Waterman, Greenwayodendron suaveolens (Engl. & Diels) Verdc., Microcos coriacea (Mast.) Burret, Calamus deërratus G.Mann & H.Wendl. and Drypetes sp. These plants are used for a variety of purposes, most frequently as hunting luck, psychoactive for improving the dog’s scent and capacity for hunting, materials for traps, and remedies for attracting animals and for making the hunter courageous.
Conclusion
Plants used for hunting purposes here are embedded in a complex ecological and cultural context based on morphological characteristics, plant properties and local beliefs. This study provides a preliminary report and leaves room for further investigations to improve the documentation of the traditional knowledge systems of the studied community.
Funder
This work was supported in part by the Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research of MEXT, Japan.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Complementary and alternative medicine,General Agricultural and Biological Sciences,Cultural Studies,Health (social science)
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