Avoiding the tragedy of (un)common knowledge: reflections on conducting qualitative criminological research in conservation science

Abstract

The interdisciplinary nature of conservation science has generated much discussion. Previous scholars have highlighted the lack of mutual understanding between the natural and social sciences in terms of theoretical knowledge and methodological practices. Due to this, the potential for the ‘tragedy of (un)common knowledge’ may hinder interdisciplinary scholarship within conservation science. While others have provided valuable insight on the scholarly and pedagogic challenges associated with interdisciplinary research, there has been little dialogue on the methodological components. Based on an ethnographic study on law enforcement rangers in a protected area in Uganda, this article provides key reflections on entrée, forming trust and rapport, establishing an identity, and data collection. It is argued that such methodological transparency will help foster dialogue between the natural and social sciences, while displaying the central role of qualitative methods in facilitating interdisciplinary research.