Local ecological knowledge (LEK) holders often differ from the scientific and conservation main stream in their approaches and priorities regarding nature conservation. In particular, the perceived charisma and symbolic value of protected species may vary substantially between conservation institutions and local communities. This study examines local ecological knowledge and perceptions related to the corncrake (Crex crex), a conservation flagship species inhabiting traditional/extensive cultural landscapes.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 local community members in the Ciuc (Csíki) and Gheorgheni (Gyergyói) Basins, Romania. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed to examine respondents’ local ecological knowledge (LEK), as well as variation in LEK using Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) and PERMANOVA.

Eredeti fellelhetőség: springer.com