Using local ecological knowledge to build mutualistic networks in hyper-diverse and logistically challenging ecosystems

1. Collecting interaction data to build frugivory or seed dispersal networks is logistically challenging in ecosystems that have very high plant and animal diversity and/or where fieldwork is difficult or dangerous. Consequently, the majority of available networks are from ecosystems with low species diversity or they represent a sub-set of the community. 

2. Here, we propose an approach using local ecological knowledge (LEK) of indigenous communities to build interaction databases and weighted networks that would otherwise be difficult to achieve with direct observations. Indigenous communities live and work in many hyper-diverse ecosystems and the people within these communities often have detailed knowledge of ecological processes. 

3. Working in a Sundaland biodiversity hotspot – Royal Belum State Park, Peninsular Malaysia – we used field data, visually-oriented interviews with indigenous people (Orang Asli, in the Jahai and Temiar ethnic subgroups), and published records to c...