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Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine
Published in: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 1/2023

Open Access 01-12-2023 | Research

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

Authors: Johanna Theys, Marc-Alexandre Tareau, Clarisse Ansoe-Tareau, Alexander Greene, Marianne Palisse, Alizée Ricardou, Guillaume Odonne

Published in: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine | Issue 1/2023

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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.
Appendix
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Footnotes
1
« Dieu a créé la terre, il y a des plantes qu’on utilise, d’autres non mais chaque chose a sa place […] Si Dieu a mis toute cette verdure ici c'est qu'il y a une raison.» Original quote translated by the authors.
 
2
« Après je peux pas dire, j’ai pas envie de dire que ça a été introduit par quelqu’un. Parce que chez nous dans notre culture animiste, tout ce qui est à un endroit, c’est que c’était prédit que ça soit là. Donc dire que c’est quelqu’un qui l’a emmené là c’est comme si j’allais à l’encontre de nos croyances.» Original quote translated by the authors.
 
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Metadata
Title
Adaptive ecological knowledge among the Ndjuka Maroons of French Guiana; a case study of two ‘invasive species’: Melaleuca quinquenervia and Acacia mangium
Authors
Johanna Theys
Marc-Alexandre Tareau
Clarisse Ansoe-Tareau
Alexander Greene
Marianne Palisse
Alizée Ricardou
Guillaume Odonne
Publication date
01-12-2023
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1746-4269
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-023-00602-7

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