Ethnozoological Study of Animal Consumption by the Sasak Tribe: Implications for Biodiversity Conservation in Lombok, Indonesia

The Sasak tribe still maintains its unique culture in everyday life. The Sasak people in Sigerongan Village have traditional knowledge of the use of animals. Food (consumption) is one of the primary needs that must be met. This study aims to determine the diversity of animal species used for consumption by the Sasak tribe and to assess their role in animal conservation. The research was conducted in Sigerongan Village in May 2024. The research was carried out by combining the methods of direct observation, participatory observation, and interviews. The informants in this study numbered 37 people who were local residents. Animals that have been identified are then tabulated according to family, species, vernacular name, conservation status, and habitat. The various data were then analyzed using descriptive and qualitative approaches. In this way, understanding animal diversity, their use as food (consumption), and conservation efforts can be comprehensive. It was found that 13 families and 24 species of animals are used for consumption (79% are native species and 21% are exotic species). The Sasak tribe cultivates various animal species in various habitats, such as irrigation canals, fishponds, ricefields, pastures, and home gardens. These various habitats represent the ecological and ethnozoological knowledge of the Sasak tribe in landscape management. Traditional knowledge plays an important role in animal conservation. Therefore, it is necessary to involve the local community of Sigerongan Village, Lombok Island, in participatory management as an effort to protect and conserve animal diversity used for consumption.