An introduction to ethnozoology with examples of ethnozoological knowledge of local communities adjacent to the Oshtoran-Kuh protected area

Ethnozoology is the study of human groups' interaction and fauna, the role of animals in people’s lives, and related beliefs that have shaped human culture. This knowledge includes the system of nomenclature for animals, describing human-animal interactions, identifying animal food habits, reproduction and habitats, animal diseases and treating, protecting humans from animal attacks, uses of animals for medicinal, food, ornamental, religious, and spiritual purposes, and finally is using this body of knowledge for conservation purposes. This paper introduces ethnozoology as a subdivision of ethnobiology and elaborates on it by using written Persian heritages such as pigeon lofts and manuscripts on the subject of falconry or BAZ-NAMAH, new domestic researches, and examples of international studies in the field of ethnozoology. Examples of the ethnozoological knowledge of the adjacent communities to the Oshtorankuh protected area, Lorestan Province, related to partridges, porcupines, and brown bears have been described. All three species are hunted by local communities. The gallbladder is a widely used organ of these species for various purposes including pain relief, disease treatment, and ritual and spiritual. The findings show ethnozoological studies could assist wildlife management practices at the local level and illustrate causes of wildlife-human conflicts which help in wildlife conservation