The Impact of Bird Naming on Inclusivity and Conservation Efforts

핵심 개념

The author argues for the removal of honorific bird names to promote inclusivity and conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of descriptive names over historical figures.

초록

The content delves into the American Ornithological Society's decision to change English bird names named after people, focusing on inclusivity and conservation. It discusses the impact of honorific names on marginalized communities, advocates for more descriptive names, and highlights efforts to rename birds with cultural sensitivity.

통계

The effort will start next year and initially focus on up to 80 species found primarily in the United States and Canada.
About 150 of the roughly 2,000 North and Central American bird species have honorifics.
AOS approved changing Oldsquaw to Long-tailed Duck in Alaska due to declining support from Indigenous communities.
McCown’s Longspur was renamed Thick-billed Longspur by AOS in response to concerns about honoring Confederate general John P. McCown.
Audubon’s climate modeling projects Wilson’s Warbler will lose 76 percent of its summer range by 2080.

인용구

"To say a name is to give breath to a legacy, to carry the past into the present."
"An honor is a privilege...the gift of a bird between men who wouldn’t have considered Lanham a human being."
"We’re limiting birds to the fallibility of humanity...And that is a way of owning what should be wild and free from the names of humans that hang on their backs."

핵심 통찰 요약

What’s In a Bird Name?

by 게시일 www.audubon.org 07-08-2022

https://www.audubon.org/magazine/summer-2022/whats-bird-name

더 깊은 질문

How can renaming birds contribute to broader discussions around social justice?

Renaming birds can play a significant role in advancing discussions on social justice by addressing historical injustices and promoting inclusivity within the birding community. By removing honorific names that commemorate individuals with problematic legacies, such as enslavers or colonizers, the practice of renaming birds acknowledges and rectifies past wrongs. This action signals a commitment to creating a more equitable and welcoming environment for all birders, particularly those who have been marginalized or excluded due to these insensitive naming conventions. Furthermore, renaming birds based on descriptive characteristics or Indigenous languages not only fosters cultural diversity but also promotes respect for different communities and their contributions to ornithology.

What are potential drawbacks or challenges in completely removing honorific bird names?

While the removal of honorific bird names is essential for promoting social equity and inclusivity, there are several potential drawbacks and challenges associated with this process. One challenge is the need to balance historical context with contemporary values when deciding which names should be changed. Some may argue that erasing these names could lead to a loss of historical significance or disrupt long-standing traditions within the field of ornithology. Additionally, there may be logistical issues related to updating scientific databases, field guides, and research materials to reflect new bird names accurately. Resistance from individuals who are attached to existing honorific names could also pose a challenge in implementing widespread changes across the birding community.

How can incorporating Indigenous languages into bird naming practices benefit conservation efforts?

Incorporating Indigenous languages into bird naming practices offers numerous benefits for conservation efforts by honoring traditional knowledge systems, fostering cultural preservation, and enhancing biodiversity awareness among diverse communities. By using Indigenous language names for birds, conservationists can acknowledge the deep connection between Indigenous peoples and their environments while recognizing their unique perspectives on wildlife stewardship. This approach not only respects Indigenous cultures but also promotes collaboration between indigenous communities and conservation organizations towards shared environmental goals. Furthermore, incorporating traditional place-based knowledge into bird naming practices can help raise awareness about local ecosystems' importance while encouraging greater engagement in conservation initiatives at both local and global levels.