Local Communities and Protected Areas: Plant Use and Sources Around Niokolo Koba, Senegal's Largest National Park

A study on Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal's largest protected area, reveals that local communities maintain strong biocultural ties to the park despite conservation restrictions. The research identifies 63 woody plant species crucial for livelihoods, with medicine, food, firewood, and construction being primary uses. Nearly 80% of these plants are sourced from village surroundings, while 25% come from the park itself. Ethnic groups and settlement locations significantly influence plant use patterns. The findings highlight the importance of integrating traditional knowledge into conservation strategies to ensure sustainable resource management amid rapid societal changes in Senegal.

Majerovičová, T., Ballesteros, M., Manka, I., Novák, J., Bumerl, J., Deme, A., & Beneš, J. (2025). Local Communities and Protected Areas: Plant Use and Sources Around Niokolo Koba, Senegal’s Largest National Park. Journal of Ethnobiology, 45(2), 99–114. https://doi.org/10.1177/02780771251325402