An exploration of cultural beliefs and practices across the Southern Ground-Hornbill’s range in Africa

Abstract

BackgroundThis article explores cultural beliefs and practices related to the Southern Ground-Hornbill (SGH) (Bucorvus leadbeateri) in nine southern and east-African countries.MethodsA qualitative, thematic content-analysis approach was followed. Ninety-eight participants took part in the study. Interviews and group discussions were used as the main data gathering methods. Each interview was digitally recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed by means of thematic content analysis.ResultsThe main themes that emerged from the data analysis indicated that beliefs and practices relate to the SGH as being (a) a bringer or signifier of death/destruction/loss/ deprivation, with the bird commonly being regarded as a bad omen of evil spirits and announcer of calamities; (b) a protector against evil spirits, against lightning and against drought; (c) an enabler/causer of altered perceptions, which include remote viewing, foreseeing the future, and creating an illusion; and (d) a timekeeper that announces the beginning and end of a working day and of seasonal changes.ConclusionsKnowledge about the use of the SGH in cultural practices can contribute to conservation efforts in at least two significant ways: Firstly, beliefs and practices that were identified in this study as having potentially protective consequences for the SGH can now be specifically targeted and strengthened in future interventions. Secondly, destructive beliefs and practices that were identified can now be changed by means of the implementation of an intervention programme in countries where it is needed.

An Intervention Program Based on Plant Surrogates as Alternatives to the Use of Southern Ground-Hornbills in Cultural Practices

“…In countries such as Malawi, the SGH was believed to be able to cause the individual who uses the bird to become invisible to enemies. Finally, in several countries, the belief was held that the SGH enables remote viewing and seeing into the future, as well as lends authority and a strong voice to local chiefs (Coetzee et al 2014). Overall, it was found that while some beliefs and practices related to the SGH could potentially be protective and thereby aid its conservation, others have a destructive impact and might, therefore, need to be addressed.…”

“…Overall, it was found that while some beliefs and practices related to the SGH could potentially be protective and thereby aid its conservation, others have a destructive impact and might, therefore, need to be addressed. Countries where such beliefs occur and where further interventions are required include Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Mozambique (Coetzee et al 2014). One promising strategy for addressing these destructive beliefs and uses in a culturally sensitive manner involves the identification and use of plant surrogates as alternatives to the SGH in cultural rituals and practices.…”

Investigating the Effect of Enrichment on the Behavior of Zoo-Housed Southern Ground Hornbills

“…In recent years, the species has received some conservation attention in the wild, on account of decreasing population numbers [7][8][9][10][11]. In many parts of its historic range, the species has been persecuted because it is viewed as a bad omen [12]. The southern ground hornbill has a cooperative breeding strategy and a slow reproductive rate, leaving it vulnerable to extinction.…”

The Beliefs of Local Communities towards the Conservation of Birds

“…The bird historically occurred in all southern and east-African countries south of the equator from the southern parts of Kenya, all the way down to South Africa and west into Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Angola [8][9][10][11][12]. The species' conservation status is affected by biological factors [13,14]. In addition to these biological factors, the species has now disappeared from large parts of its historical range and is mainly restricted to protected areas, probably as a result of such anthropogenic threats as habitat destruction, direct persecution, indirect poisoning, electrocution, trade in live specimens, and use in traditional cultural practices.…”