Compatibility and complementarity of indigenous and scientific knowledge of wild plants in the highlands of southwest Saudi Arabia  

作　　者：A.K.Hegazy A.A.Alatar J.Thomas M.Faisal A.H.Alfarhan K.Krzywinski 

机构地区：[1]Department of Botany and Microbiology,College of Science,King Saud University [2]Department of Biology,University of Bergen

出　　处：《Journal of Forestry Research》2014年第2期437-444,共8页林业研究（英文版）

基　　金：supported by project No.10-ENV1276-02 entitled"Conservation and valuation of plant diversity of potential economic value in mountain ecosystems,Saudi Arabia";funded by the National Plan for Science and Technology(NPST),Saudi Arabia

摘　　要：This study presents a survey of wild plants commonly used by local inhabitants in the highlands of southwest Saudi Arabia. Based upon literature review, direct observation of local inhabitants, and questionnaire interviews, 36 plant species were assessed and given scores according to their use. The gaps between scientific and indigenous knowl- edge on the use of plants were estimated using a ＂compatibility ratio＂. The score values were estimated based on seven different use categories of ecosystem services, including food, forage, medicine, wood, beekeeping, research, and education. Additional structural categories include source of materials, shade, hedges, ornamental plantings, and soil stabilization. There are discrepancies between indigenous knowledge （IK） and scien- tific knowledge （SK） but in most cases, SK of the species supports the IK and plant users preference. The results also provide information that challenges assumptions about the consistency of IK with SK. Our study highlights the importance of understanding the cultural context and uses of wild plants. Biodiversity-based knowledge holds promise for contributing to sustainable use of wild plant resources and related traditions. The success of such endeavours depends on the compatibility and complementarity of indigenous and scientific knowledge.This study presents a survey of wild plants commonly used by local inhabitants in the highlands of southwest Saudi Arabia. Based upon literature review, direct observation of local inhabitants, and questionnaire interviews, 36 plant species were assessed and given scores according to their use. The gaps between scientific and indigenous knowl- edge on the use of plants were estimated using a ＂compatibility ratio＂. The score values were estimated based on seven different use categories of ecosystem services, including food, forage, medicine, wood, beekeeping, research, and education. Additional structural categories include source of materials, shade, hedges, ornamental plantings, and soil stabilization. There are discrepancies between indigenous knowledge （IK） and scien- tific knowledge （SK） but in most cases, SK of the species supports the IK and plant users preference. The results also provide information that challenges assumptions about the consistency of IK with SK. Our study highlights the importance of understanding the cultural context and uses of wild plants. Biodiversity-based knowledge holds promise for contributing to sustainable use of wild plant resources and related traditions. The success of such endeavours depends on the compatibility and complementarity of indigenous and scientific knowledge.

关 键 词：multipurpose use plants importance value compatibility ratio Sarawat mountains arid lands 

分 类 号：Q948[生物学—植物学]