Interdits totémiques et conservation communautaire de la faune chez les Mbuun du Kwilu (République Démocratique du Congo).

Abstract

Thé Mbuun communities of Kwilu Province possess a system of beliefs and traditional practices rooted in totemism. Certain animal species are regarded as totems associated with clans, lineages, or families. Hunting, consuming, or killing these animal sis strictly prohibited. In a context marked by biodiversity decline and the weakening of traditional natural resource management systems, this study seeks to understand the role of these taboos in wildlife conservation. This issue falls within the broader field of research on traditional ecological knowledge and its contribution to biodiversity protection. The main objective of this research was to assess how totemic taboos practiced by the Mbuun contribute to the community-based conservation of wild animal species. To collect data relevant to the study, an ethnobiological and socio-anthropological approach was employed, including field surveys among local populations, traditional chiefs, community elders, and holders of indigenous knowledge, as well as direct observations and a literature review on Mbuun cultural practices and community conservation. The results revealed that several animal species benefit from cultural protection through totemic taboos. These animals cannot be hunted or consumed by members of the clans with which they are associated. Compliance with these prohibitions is ensured by traditional authorities and reinforced by the fear of spiritual or social sanctions.