Kingfisher: contemplating the connection between nature and humans through science, art, literature, and lived experiences

Abstract

Due to rapid urbanisation, the separation between humans and nature is a critical issue that leads to the eco-deficit culture and hinders efforts to alleviate climate change and biodiversity crises. In this essay, using the most recent scientific findings, we argue that the kingfisher, as a symbolic representation of nature, can act as a bridge that connects humans and nature through many pathways. In science, the kingfisher can be used as an indicator species to evaluate the environmental alterations of the wetland ecosystems, facilitating conservation efforts. In addition, the kingfisher’s behaviours embedded in the indigenous communities’ knowledge systems to predict environmental variability can be valuable resources for developing community science. The images, memories, and feelings associated with the species can also connect humans’ mental realms with the world of other sentient beings, gradually building humans’ perceived values of the natural world. With these benefits, with the kingfisher being a symbolic representation, wildlife can play a crucial role in restoring the lost bond between humans and the natural environment. Establishing a stronger connection between humans and nature is expected to significantly impact the transformation of human value systems from eco-deficit to eco-surplus mindsets. Moreover, for the kingfisher to play its role in connecting humans and the natural environment, conservation must be prioritised before some kingfisher species become extinct (e.g. Tasmanian azure kingfisher, Javan blue-banded kingfisher, Mangareva kingfisher, Sangihe dwarf kingfisher, etc.).

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