Quantifying the conservation value of Sacred Natural Sites

Abstract

Many have asserted that Sacred Natural Sites (SNS) play an important role in nature protection but few have assessed their conservation effectiveness for different taxa. We studied sacred groves in Epirus, NW Greece, where a large number of such SNS have been identified. Based on historical, ethnographic and ecological criteria, we selected eight of these groves and matching control sites and in them we studied fungi, lichens, herbaceous plants, woody plants, nematodes, insects, bats and passerine birds. Our results reveal that the contribution of SNS to species conservation is nuanced by taxon, vegetation type and management history. We found that the sacred groves have a small conservation advantage over the corresponding control sites. More specifically, there are more distinct sets of organisms among sacred groves than among control sites, and overall biodiversity, diversity per taxonomic group, and numbers of species from the European SCI list (Species of Community Interest) are all marginally higher in them. Conservationists regard the often small size of SNS as a factor limiting their conservation value. The sizes of SNS around the globe vary greatly, from a few square meters to millions of hectares. Given that those surveyed by us (ranging from 5 to 116 ha) are at the lower end of this spectrum, the small conservation advantage that we testified becomes important. Our results provide clear evidence that even small-size SNS have considerable conservation relevance; they would contribute most to species conservation if incorporated in networks.

Endangered but genetically stable—Erythrophleum fordii within Feng Shui woodlands in suburbanized villages

“…Furthermore, they can provide a source for rural afforestation and play a key role in ecological networks. Globally, CPFs are distinctive elements of worldwide vegetations, and they naturally and seminaturally distribute in and around urban areas (Avtzis et al, ; Bossart & Antwi, ; Hu et al, ; Lee et al, ). Similar to Feng Shui woodlands in China, most of the plant species in CPFs are not considered being threatened in the near future.…”

“…Culturally protected forests (CPFs, Hu, Li, Liao, & Fan, ) are formed through religious or traditional belief (Avtzis et al, ). They are important rural/urban forest types worldwide including Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.…”

“…They are important rural/urban forest types worldwide including Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. They are known as Feng Shui woodlands in China (Ye, Xu, Wu, & Cao, ) and sacred groves (Avtzis et al, ; Bossart & Antwi, ) and village groves (Lee, Hong, & Kim, ) in the other countries. They are generally small in size but can serve as refuges for a large number of regional species (Avtzis et al, ; Bossart & Antwi, ; Hu et al, ; Lee et al, ; Martinez & Amar, ).…”

Scholarly vs. Traditional Knowledge: Effects of Sacred Natural Sites on Ethnobotanical Practices in Tuscany, Central Italy

“…Many studies related to SNSs have been carried out in Asia (Mody 2018 and references within) and Sub-Saharan Africa (Agyeman et al 2016;Alohou et al 2017;Daye and Healey 2015;Doffana, 2017;Nganso et al 2012), while only a few, yet increasing number of, publications have focused on the Mediterranean Basin, including Greece (Avtzis et al 2018;Stara et al 2015), Morocco (Agyeman et al 2016;Deil et al 2005), Cyprus (Lardos and Heinrich 2013), and Italy (Frascaroli 2013;Frascaroli et al 2014;Schmid et al 2015).…”

Epiphytic lichens of the sacred natural site “Bosco di Sant’Antonio” (Majella National Park – Abruzzo)

“…Sacred Natural Sites are relevant for biodiversity conservation (Avtzis et al 2018;Frascaroli et al 2016) since their spiritual value is intrinsically associated with the maintenance of inspiring natural habitats by non-intervention or non-intensive management. This is, for example, the case of several forest sites that are not exploited for timber production due to the presence of a small church, a shrine, or a crucifix.…”