Reframing African ecology: Challenging bias and celebrating contribution

Despite Africa's rapid economic growth and cultural influence, the continent continues to grapple with a lingering perception of neglect in Western discourse, stemming from centuries of ethnic discrimination and colonialism (Ewans, 2017; Jalata, 2013; Karari, 2018). This bias extends to the realm of scientific research, where African ecological studies are often marginalised or dismissed as unfledged, either deliberately or unconsciously. The legacy of historical attitudes and biases perpetuates a narrative that Africa remains an untapped frontier for ecological exploration. This editorial seeks to re-evaluate this perception and proposes an examination of the contributions of African ecology to the development and testing of ecological and conservation biology theory and practice. By exploring the work of both native and foreign scientists, we aim to shed light on the rich scientific heritage of African ecosystems. We conclude that through collaborative efforts and inclusive scholarship, we can challenge biases and elevate African ecological research on a global scale, transcending the remnants of colonial-era arrogance and scientific chauvinism (Luiselli, 2024).

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.13297

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