Integrating Gayo Ethnozoological Knowledge into SustainableBuffalo Husbandry Policies in Aceh, Indonesia
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https://doi.org/10.14419/hs7fpt67
Received date: July 19, 2025
Accepted date: November 17, 2025
Published date: December 14, 2025
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Anthropology Of Policy; Ethnozoology; Gayo Buffalo; Sustainable Livestock; Traditional Ecological Knowledge -
Abstract
This study examines how Gayo ethnozoological knowledge can inform sustainable buffalo husbandry policies in Aceh, Indonesia. The Gayo buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) serves as a vital local genetic and cultural resource amid growing challenges in livestock conservation and food security. Through ethnographic research, the study highlights how traditional ecological knowledge—particularly the Gayo people’s ethnotaxonomic system—contributes to understanding and managing genetic diversity. The findings demonstrate that this indigenous classification system reflects deep cultural insight and practical expertise that align with modern scientific approaches to conservation. Integrating such knowledge into formal livestock development policies can enhance breeding strategies, promote biodiversity conservation, and strengthen community participation. The study recommends the establishment of integrated conservation programs, financial and institutional support mechanisms, and a legal framework recognizing traditional livestock management as part of Indonesia’s sustainable agricultural development agenda.
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Nasution, A. A. ., Harahap, R. H. ., Sumantri, I. ., Widi, T. S. M. ., Nazaruddin, M. ., & Ilham, I. . (2025). Integrating Gayo Ethnozoological Knowledge into SustainableBuffalo Husbandry Policies in Aceh, Indonesia. International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 14(8), 251-262. https://doi.org/10.14419/hs7fpt67
