Abstract
Using animals in sacrificial rituals and socio-religious ceremonies has a long history and is still practised in various cultures and religions worldwide. This phenomenon remains a complex issue, with deeply held cultural and religious beliefs on one side and concerns for animal welfare and ethical treatment on the other. This study aims to analyze the domestic and wild animals exploited for sacrificial practices and socio-religious purposes among the Moroccan and comprehend the symbolism of these practices. This fieldwork has been undertaken in various regions of Morocco, where we focused on visiting areas known to use animals in rituals. Ethnozoological data were gathered during field observations, visits to public markets, and our participation in ritual activities. A total of 128 wild and domestic animal species belonging to 62 zoological families were identified in this investigation as being used for various sacrificial rituals and socio-religious events. The documented animals were distributed among eight classes. It was demonstrated that the most frequently cited classes were Mammalia, with 40 species. The presence of local wildlife, cultural trends, and economic factors contribute to the sustainability and growth of the market for ritualistic animal products. However, the absence of effective monitoring and regulation poses a challenge from a conservationist standpoint. To conserve and responsibly utilize Morocco's fauna, it is crucial to possess comprehensive information about the animal species involved in sacrificial rituals and socio-religious events. By exploring folk knowledge and healthcare practices, we can gain deeper insights into human interactions with the surrounding ecosystem, leading to the development of suitable strategies for preserving natural resources.
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Abbreviations
- BC :
-
Before Christ
- CE :
-
Common Era
- GBIF :
-
Global Biodiversity Information Facility
- ITIS :
-
Integrated Taxonomic Information System
- IUCN :
-
International Union for Conservation of Nature
- UNESCO :
-
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
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We want to express our sincere gratitude to all the guides and residents of Morocco who provided their valuable assistance. We also extend our thanks to all those who contributed to the completion of this project.
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NC: conducted field research, compiled literature sources, performed data analysis, evaluated and interpreted the data, and wrote the manuscript. L.Z.: designed the study, analyzed the data and prepared the initial draft of the manuscript. All contributors reviewed and approved the final paper.
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Chaachouay, N., Zidane, L. The importance of animals in sacrificial rituals and socio-religious occasions practised by the indigenous communities of Morocco and strategies to conserve them from extinction. Biologia 79, 753–773 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11756-023-01548-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11756-023-01548-7