Ethnozoological Use of Animal-Based Bioresources in Traditional Medicine: Diversity, Utilization Patterns, and Sustainability Concerns in Tropical Indonesia

Abstract

Traditional knowledge about the use of animal-based biological resources is an important but under-documented component of public health systems in tropical regions, especially in areas with limited access to modern health services. This study examines ethnozoological practices in multi-ethnic communities in Seko Besar Village, Sarolangun Regency, Jambi, Indonesia, with a focus on the diversity of animal species used, how they are used, and their socio-ecological implications. A qualitative descriptive approach was used through semi-structured interviews, participatory and non-participatory observations, and documentation involving 45 respondents from the Javanese, Sundanese, and Melayu tribes. The results showed that there were 25 species of animals used as traditional medicines, reflecting the wealth of local ecological knowledge integrated into the cultural practices of the community. Melayu’s showed the highest diversity of exclusive uses, indicating a stronger level of retention of traditional knowledge than other ethnic groups. The animal parts used include meat, bile, fat, and mucus, with various processing techniques such as boiling, burning, and directly applied, to address various types of diseases, including infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, and inflammation. This practice indicates a functional relationship between biodiversity and public health needs on a local scale. However, these findings also show a potential sustainability problem, where 5 of the 25 animal species used are included in the category of protected animals based on national regulations, thus potentially causing ecological pressure if their use is not managed properly. Nevertheless, communities show adaptive strategies, such as limited maintenance and selective use, which can be understood as a form of conservation awareness that develops implicitly in local practices. This research confirms that ethnozoological knowledge can be seen not only as cultural heritage, but also as a dynamic socio-ecological system that links human health, biodiversity utilization, and local governance. Within the framework of One Health, these findings emphasize the importance of bridging traditional knowledge with modern conservation and health policies to support the sustainable use of tropical biological resources. This research provides a starting basis for the development of interdisciplinary studies and policies aimed at integrating local knowledge into the sustainable management of biological resources in tropical ecosystems.