Woody Plants in Dialan and other Ritual Practices within the Biocultural Landscape of Niokolo Koba National Park, Senegal

Ritual practices within the Dialan belief system in Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal, involve 41 woody plant species, with Khaya senegalensis, Piliostigma thonningii, Daniellia oliveri, and Anogeissus leiocarpa being the most prominent. These plants are used for various rituals, including baths, drinks, fumigation, amulets, mask rituals, sacrifices, offerings, and incantations, often performed in specific areas within villages or the park. The study highlights the significance of these practices among isolated Bassari communities, contributing to a deeper understanding of human-environment interactions and emphasizing the need for integrating spiritual and biocultural factors into conservation efforts.

Manka, I., Majerovičová, T., Ballesteros, M., Dème, A., & Beneš, J. (2026). Woody Plants in Dialan and other Ritual Practices within the Biocultural Landscape of Niokolo Koba National Park, Senegal. Human Ecology, 54(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-026-00672-7