What's Happening?
The indigenous community of Kaputna in Ecuador has discovered new fish species in the Santiago River, one of the Amazon's least-known ecosystems. Through a combination of traditional and scientific knowledge, they identified 144 species, including five
previously unrecorded in Ecuador. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of local knowledge in scientific research and the biodiversity of the Amazon region.
Why It's Important?
The discovery underscores the rich biodiversity of the Amazon and the critical role indigenous communities play in conservation efforts. It highlights the need for more research in understudied areas to understand and protect ecosystems. This collaboration sets a precedent for integrating traditional knowledge with scientific methods, potentially influencing future conservation strategies and policies.
