Women's local knowledge: An important factor in effective community-based wildlife management

In many societies, men and women play diverse roles in environmental management and may consequently hold different, but often complementary, local knowledge. It is therefore key that knowledge systems of both men and women are considered in studies of community-based natural resource management and conservation decisions. However, due to social, economic, cultural and other factors, the local knowledge held by women is often less well-known, understood and applied in such groups. We aimed to help address this gap by collating case studies of community-based wildlife management (CBWM) groups from across the globe that demonstrated a level of participation by women that allowed them to share their knowledge with community-based wildlife management group decision-makers. Focusing on 32 selected case studies, we aimed to explore three main themes: (i) The application of women’s knowledge in resource management practices; (ii) Ways in which women’s knowledge was shared; and (iii) How these inputs impacted wildlife conservation outcomes. We found for most of the case studies that women’s participation contributed to positive conservation outcomes as measured by their group’s fulfilment of one or more of the 2023 CBD Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Conservation Framework goals for 2050. These included positive outcomes for species conservation, habitat restoration, equitable sharing of benefits, and for investment by and collaboration with external experts and organisations. We suggest that the greater inclusion of women in community-based wildlife management groups, at a level where they can actively share their knowledge with policy and decision-makers, is key to advancing equity and conservation effectiveness of community-based wildlife management groups. • Women's knowledge of wildlife can be extensive, but is often different from men's. • Globally women use their knowledge in wildlife management practices to achieve positive livelihood and conservation outcomes. • Women's wildlife knowledge and management skills are frequently overlooked in community-based wildlife management. • This can lead to an incomplete understanding of how to achieve sustainable use and conservation of local wildlife. • The inclusion of the local knowledge of both genders is key to achieving more effective community-based wildlife management.