In the grassroots kingdoms (fondoms) of western Cameroon, sacred animals like leopards, lions, elephants, and the brightly-colored Bannerman’s turaco face a complex paradox. While deeply revered, these species are often harvested to create royal crowns, footstools, and warrior regalia. They are also currently facing severe habitat destruction and local extinction. To counteract this biodiversity crisis in the Congo Basin, a multidisciplinary study is merging postcolonial ecocriticism with “narrative foresight” to help shape the future of biodiversity conservation. By utilizing local literature—such as Kenjo Jumbam’s novella Lukong and the Leopard, which advocates for freeing royal beasts—researchers and indigenous leaders are collaborating to adapt long-standing customs, strengthen environmental regulations, and introduce artificial alternatives for traditional ceremonies.
The Conversation
