Embracing Indigenous Perspectives in Herpetology

Indigenous biocultural knowledge provides significant perspectives on documenting and conserving biodiversity. However, akin to biological diversity, the associated cultural wisdom is frequently endangered by past and present colonization and cultural suppression, loss of local language among indigenous communities, environmental degradation, globalization and modernization, displacement of elders and knowledge holders, and lack of recognition and support for incorporating indigenous wisdom into mainstream conservation and research approaches. Amphibians and reptiles, which are generally less well understood than more charismatic or useful species, may be disproportionately affected by the loss of indigenous biocultural knowledge.

This Research Topic aims to bridge the gap between scientific communities and indigenous peoples, fostering collaborative research in herpetology. Incorporating indigenous knowledge and perspectives into the field of herpetology not only improves scientific understanding but also promotes cultural understanding, respect, and collaboration between scientific communities and indigenous peoples, and may strengthen conservation efforts. It is essential to engage in respectful and mutually beneficial partnerships to ensure the proper integration of indigenous knowledge into scientific research and conservation practices.

We invite contributions that explore traditional taxonomy, ethno-herpetology, and the intersection of ethnic cultures with herpetological conservation efforts. Authors are encouraged to explore themes such as:

• Traditional taxonomy and classification,
• Ethno-herpetology, and
• The role of indigenous cultures in herpetological conservation.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Conservation, Herpetology, Indigenous Knowledge, taxonomy, ethno-herpetology, ethnoherpetology, traditional practices, culture, heritage, traditional classification, cultural heritage, indigenous cultures

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.