Integration of traditional ecological knowledge for biodiversity conservation in Madhupur Sal Forest

The integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into biodiversity conservation strategies remains under-explored in South Asian Forest ecosystems. The Madhupur Sal Forest in Bangladesh, home to diverse indigenous communities, provides a critical context for examining how demographic factors influence the retention and application of TEK. This study quantitatively assessed gender and age-related variations in TEK and identified barriers to its integration in conservation practices. We surveyed 421 indigenous adults (240 males, 181 females) who were randomly selected from four villages in the Madhupur Sal Forest. Four TEK indices were measured using structured questionnaires: (1) cultural understanding of ecology (knowledge of local flora and fauna), (2) traditional practices (ancestral resource management methods), (3) contemporary practices (current conservation engagement), and (4) challenges to TEK integration. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare gender differences, while Spearman’s rank correlation was used to examine age-related patterns. Males demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores than females in cultural understanding (mean rank: 248.73 vs. 160.98, p < .001, r = .37), traditional practices (240.68 vs. 171.64, p < .001, r = .29), and contemporary practices (255.93 vs. 151.43, p < .001, r = .44). Males also reported more challenges to TEK integration (231.78 vs. 183.45, p < .001, r = .2). Age showed strong positive correlations with cultural understanding (ρ = 0.60, p < .001), traditional practices (ρ = 0.71, p < .001), contemporary practices (ρ = 0.64, p < .001), and a moderate negative correlation with perceived integration challenges (ρ = -0.42, p < .001). Gender and age significantly influence TEK dynamics in Madhupur Sal Forest. Effective biodiversity conservation requires gender-inclusive strategies and intergenerational knowledge transfer programs that recognize these demographic variations while addressing institutional barriers to TEK integration.