1. PZR Davis, CNS Poonian, L. Rakotoarimino, M.Ramiandrisoa
Socio-cultural significance of Dugong dugon in Comoros and north-west Madagascar
PZR Davis, CNS Poonian, L. Rakotoarimino, M.Ramiandrisoa
IMCC 8, June 2018

2. Geographical context

3. Socio-economic context
Madagascar pop. 25 million
GDP per capita $402
HDI 158/188
Far north, remote, fishing, farming
Austronesian language 1,300 yrs ago from SEA ro Comoros and MG
Comoros pop. 800,000
GDP per capita $775
HDI 159/188
Fishing, farming, remittance (25%)
Successive migrations to NW Madagascar

4. Cultural research on dugongs
Comoros 256 fishers
N. Madagascar,573 fishers
2018 (GEF project) N Madagascar, 35 fishers
Ages , male-only knowledge

5. Findings 6 men from 6 families, swear no sex with dugong
Many heard legends from parents, 75% eaten dugong, 1990s (50%), (17%)
74% aware of taboos
Cover head with veil, no women/children present, pregnant women not to know
Specialist slaughter (Anjoaty, Yemeni), washing with Liana sp. genital, teats, burial on site, songs
Ridiculing, abusing would lead to curse
Origin from incest at sea
Sacred as similar to humans
Name Lambohara in Muslim communities, didn’t like sea ‘pig’
Ear infections

6. Relevance to Conservation
Sacred nature, close to humans, emotive
Taboos applied when species was common, later just passed down orally, legend/story
Dugong’s role unclear wrt fisheries unlike seagrass
Pride in cultural heritage
Include taboos in LMMA and outreach
Educate & empower the younger generation ASAP
LMMAs on paper but…?

8. Misaotra! Marahaba! From C3 Madagascar & Indian Ocean Islands Programme