Indigenous Knowledge as a sole data source in habitat selection functions

Abstract

While Indigenous Knowledge (IK) contains a wealth of information on the behaviour and habitat use of species, it is rarely included in the species-habitat models frequently used for conservation and management decisions. Exclusion of IK can negatively impact species and communities. We developed methods that relies solely on IK to identify species habitat use and important areas. We apply the method to ringed seals (natchiqin Iñupiat) in Alaskan waters, for which the designated critical habitat has been legally debated in part due to minimal inclusion of IK. This work was completed in partnership with Iñupiat hunters. Our work demonstrates how IK of species habitat use and important areas can be presented in a way that can be easily and meaningfully considered for species management.