Meat and magic: traditional use of the Stone Partridge Ptilopachus petrosus in Benin

Abstract

Considered a widespread gamebird found across the northern Afrotropical region, the Stone Partridge Ptilopachus petrosus is used in magical rituals and for traditional medicine in Africa. Although considered to be a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, loss of their habitat and hunting has caused them to be locally threatened. The aim of this ethno-ornithological study was to assess the utilization of Stone Partridge through surveys conducted in traditional communities. Some 384 people across 13 ethnic groups in Benin Republic were interviewed. Standardised ethnozoological indices were used to evaluate the importance of Stone Partridge as a source of food and a socio-cultural aspect in Benin per ethnic groups, gender and age class. Some 91.15% of respondents cited food as the major use category of Stone Partridge, followed by traditional medicinal and magical ritual. Responses varied by ethnic group and gender, but not age. Respondents reported that hunting is a major threat, leading to population declines. Stone Partridge plays an important role in rural communities in the study area, but a national conservation management strategy is lacking for this and other gamebird species.