Researcher highlights Indigenous knowledge, gender in deer conservation

Conserving the endangered Philippine brown deer (𝘙𝘶𝘴𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢) requires recognizing Indigenous knowledge, cultural traditions, and gender perspectives, says researcher Jhonnel P. Villegas. In Episode 144 of the Behind the Science Podcast, hosted by Dr. Paul Caesar M. Flores, Villegas discussed findings from a 2025 study in Animals on how Mandaya beliefs, traditional practices, and ecological knowledge shape deer conservation in Davao Oriental. The study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive strategies, Indigenous participation, and protecting landscapes managed by local communities to balance cultural traditions with wildlife conservation. Watch the episode on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Read the study: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15233397