India, May 11 -- In western Cameroon, animals such as leopards, lions, elephants and the Bannerman's turaco are revered as both sacred and royal.

But custom demands they be killed and presented to kings.

Literature and futures-thinking workshops can challenge these traditions.

The can inspire new human-animal relations and shape practical policies to protect these endangered species.

In the grasslands and highlands of western Cameroon, some animals are believed to be sacred. Within the region's indigenous kingdoms (fondoms), many of these animals are also considered to be royal. They include wild cats (like cheetahs, leopards, lions), buffaloes, elephants, porcupines, cowries (sea snails), and a brightly coloured bird called the Banne...