The integration of indigenous knowledge with modern technology can strengthen wildlife conservation by improving the understanding of animal movements, equipping communities with tracking skills and helping mitigate human-wildlife conflict.

This emerged during a Conservation on Tap panel discussion themed, Tracking, held in Maun recently, where conservation practitioners highlighted the value of traditional knowledge, scientific information and responsible environmental practices in protecting wildlife.

Speaking at the discussion, Leopard Ecology and Conservation research officer, Mr Pogiso Ithuteng emphasised the importance of indigenous knowledge in wildlife conservation, noting that combining it with technology could enhance the effectiveness of tracking.

Mr Ithuteng explained that tracking was beneficial to communities as it enabled people to interpret animal prints, establish the presence of wildlife and determine the direction in which animals had moved.

“Such knowledge could help community members become more aware of wildlife movements in their surroundings, allowing them to make informed decisions when encountering signs of animals near their settlements or activities,” he said.

He highlighted the continued relevance of indigenous knowledge in conservation, citing the need to understand animal behaviour and movements as vital to communities. 

He noted that integrating traditional tracking skills with technology could further improve monitoring of wildlife and contribute to conservation initiatives.

Furthermore, he said tracking was an important tool in wildlife monitoring because signs left by animals can provide information about their presence and movements. 

When interpreted alongside scientific methods and other available information, he said such observations could support conservation practitioners in understanding wildlife distribution and making informed management decisions.

He added that the involvement of local communities was also important, as their knowledge of the surrounding environment could contribute to conservation efforts while strengthening their understanding of the need to protect wildlife.

Meanwhile, Cheetah Conservation Botswana research coordinator, Mr Christopher Mbisana called on Batswana to adopt environmentally friendly practices to protect the environment from pollution and other forms of contamination. 

Mr Mbisana said adopting responsible behaviours could help maintain a healthy environment, emphasising that environmental protection was essential to sustaining the natural systems upon which people and wildlife depended.

He further urged Batswana to recognise the important role that wildlife played in the ecosystem and appreciate the need to protect it.

“Wildlife contributes to the functioning of ecosystems, while healthy natural environments support biodiversity and provide habitats for different species so protecting these environments is important in ensuring that wildlife continues to thrive and natural resources remain available for future generations,” he said.

He further underscored the need for individuals and communities to take responsibility for their surroundings through everyday actions that minimise environmental harm. 

He noted that practices contributing to environmental conservation included proper waste disposal, avoiding dumping of waste in natural habitats, reducing pollution as well as keeping surroundings clean.

“Responsible use of natural resources and protection of habitats can help reduce pressure on ecosystems and support the long-term survival of different species,” he added.

For her part, Okavango Research Institute Associate Professor Dr Emily Bennett highlighted the importance of platforms that enabled conservation practitioners and researchers to exchange knowledge and share scientific information. 

Dr Bennett said the Conservation on Tap panel discussions aimed to provide an opportunity for participants to present their knowledge on different subjects, with the broader objective of promoting conservation and facilitating sharing of information.

She added that the discussion on tracking created an opportunity to explore the relationship between indigenous knowledge, animal spoor, wildlife identification and conservation, while encouraging engagement and information-sharing among communities and conservation stakeholders.

She shared that bringing together traditional knowledge and scientific information can also help strengthen public awareness of conservation and practical measures needed to protect wildlife and its habitats. ENDS