Ethnobiology: The missing link in ecology and evolution

Evolutionary biologists and ecologists increasingly appreciate the value of local knowledge of human communities for research into the past, present, and future of biodiversity. However, there are often significant problems accessing and interpreting this knowledge. Here, we argue that closer interaction with ethnobiologists, who study the relation between humans and the natural world, will enable local knowledge to be better applied in ecological and evolutionary biological research. This will provide more comprehensive answers to the scientific questions being asked, and will result in improved engagement with both academic and non-academic communities