Indigenous Borneans knew a tree was two distinct species — genetic analysis confirms they were right

To determine the correct taxonomy of the tree, which is in the same genus as the trees that produce the meaty jackfruit, scientists took DNA samples from trees in Malaysian Borneo and from historical herbarium specimens. They employed phylogenetic analyses and DNA microsatellites to show that while lumok and pingan are closely related, they are genetically distinct species. The scientists recommend that the trees be renamed to reflect this and suggest that it’s time to consider incorporating Indigenous names into taxonomic research.

“While the scientific endeavor has long benefitted from Indigenous knowledge, it has usually not engaged with it on equal footing,” write the authors, which include Malaysian scientists and Iban field botanists, led by Elliot M. Gardner, a botanist at Florida International University. “While Linnaean taxonomy offers a broad framework for global comparisons, it may lack the detailed local insights possessed by Indigenous peoples.”

“Time is of the essence, because just as biodiversity is under threat of climate change, Indigenous knowledge — itself protected under Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity — is threatened by societal change,” Gardner and colleagues say.

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Journal Reference:

1. Elliot M. Gardner, Aida Shafreena Ahmad Puad, Joan T. Pereira, Jugah anak Tagi, Salang anak Nyegang, Postar Miun, Jeisin Jumian, Lisa Pokorny, Nyree J.C. Zerega. Engagement with indigenous people preserves local knowledge and biodiversity alike. Current Biology, 2022; 32 (11): R511 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.04.062