Adaptive ecological knowledge among the Ndjuka Maroons of French Guiana; a case study of two ‘invasive species’: Melaleuca quinquenervia and Acacia mangium

Abstract

Background To understand how local ecological knowledge changes and adapts, here in the case of the recent introduction of plant species, we report the knowledge and perceptions of the Ndjuka (Maroon) of French Guiana concerning two tree species, Acacia mangium and niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia), which are categorized as “invasive alien plants” in the savannas of their territory. Methods To this end, semi-structured interviews were conducted between April and July 2022, using a pre-designed questionnaire, plant samples and photographs. The uses, local ecological knowledge, and representations of these species were surveyed among populations of Maroon origin in western French Guiana. All responses to closed questions collected during the field survey were compiled into an Excel spreadsheet in order to perform quantitative analyses, including the calculation of use reports (URs). Results It appears that the local populations have integrated these two plant species, which are named, used and even traded, into their knowledge systems. On the other hand, neither foreignness nor invasiveness seem to be relevant concepts in the perspective of the informants. The usefulness of these plants is the determining factor of their integration into the Ndjuka medicinal flora, thus resulting in the adaptation of their local ecological knowledge. Conclusion In addition to highlighting the need for the integration of the discourse of local stakeholders into the management of "invasive alien species,” this study also allows us to observe the forms of adaptation that are set in motion by the arrival of a new species, particularly within populations that are themselves the result of recent migrations. Our results furthermore indicate that such adaptations of local ecological knowledge can occur very quickly.

The influence of exotic and native plants on illnesses with physical and spiritual causes in the semiarid region of Piauí, Northeast of Brazil

“…Therefore, in future studies on the interaction between people and plants, especially when evaluating the influence of the origin and role of plants in LMS, it is important to take into account not only etic criteria determined by the interpretation of the researchers, but also the emic perception of the people involved, how they understand the introduction of the species in their therapeutic demands, and how they perceive a resource as “exotic” and “native” in their environment, without the biases of the associated political, cultural and environmental circumstances. As an example, in French Guiana, a recent study explored the emic view of quilombolas in relation to invasive exotic tree species and highlighted that these peoples often consider these plants as native to their socio-ecological systems, making etic definitions of little significance for them [ 43 ].…”

“…On the other hand, several exotic plants are often portrayed as species with high invasive potential, constituting the second largest threat to biodiversity [ 43 ] and bringing a negative impact on the conservation of native species [ 58 ]. However, in areas of dry forests, such as Caatinga, many exotic species only persist in favorable environments, such as backyards, due to human intervention, through management and care in their cultivation [ 20 , 40 ], because most of them are unable to propagate and survive in areas of dry native forest, thus reducing the risks of invasion and the subsequent ecological impacts [ 59 ].…”