By Abebayehu Aticho, Abebe Beyene, Shimelis Aynalem Zelelew, Changkuoth Puok , Andrew G. Gosler, Nils Chr. Stenseth, and Desalegn Chala.
In Ethiopia, birds are not just creatures flying around; they are like family to some communities, especially the Nuer people in western Ethiopia. These people have a deep, special bond with birds, seeing them as more than just animals. For Nuers birds are sacred beings, carriers of spirit, and symbols of twinhood.
To learn more about this unique relationship, we assessed bird-human interaction in Nuer and dug into their beliefs and practices. They use three interchangeable names for birds, like “gaatkuoth,” meaning sacred children of god, “kuoth,” to mean spirit carriers, and “diit,” to mean twins symbolizing twinhood in humans. Birds are significant in Nuer’s culture, symbolizing spiritual connections and carrying deep meanings.
The Nuer people recognize 71 bird species for various reasons. Some are hunted for food, some are used for medicine, and others are seen as signs of what’s happening in the environment or warnings of future events. They even use bird feathers and parts as protective charms, showing how birds are part of their everyday lives.
But despite relying on birds, the Nuer have rules to protect them. They have traditional ways of using birds, making sure they don’t harm the environment too much. They only hunt birds when they really need to, like during tough times, and there are rules about who can hunt based on family history. Hunting is exclusively allowed for poor families during hunger seasons and people who have twins in ancestry are not allowed to hunt since birds are considered as symbols twinhood in humans.
This shows a deep respect for nature and the bond between humans and the environment. The Nuer’s way of living with birds teaches us the importance of preserving cultural traditions in conservation. By listening to indigenous knowledge and values, we can work towards a future where both nature and people thrive together.
Relational Thinking 