Cross-Cultural Communication: Communities and Conservation Case Study: Conservation of Sacred Monkeys in Igboland, Nigeria

Local belief systems such as indigenous religions and social taboos have been credited with helping to conserve animal and plant species and particular sites worldwide. Certain species and sites are protected because they are considered sacred. Although the meaning of sacred varies across cultures, religions, and languages, in general sacred entities are distinguished from the everyday world and given respect and reverence (Stein & Stein 2005). Sacredness is often derived from religious beliefs (e.g., distinctions between what is “holy” and “unholy”). In African religions, sacred animals or plants may be protected due to their association with local deities or spirits or their role in local folklore (Baker et al. 2009). Sacred entities are usually associated with taboos that prohibit a group of people from killing, harming, or misusing them.