'Bedouin overgrazing' and conservation politics: Challenging ideas of pastoral destruction in South Sinai

► Unchallenged ideas of destruction by pastoralists may be perpetuated in both conservation policy and national discourse. ► 'Pastoralist destruction' narratives may bias the interpretation of scientific evidence on which conservation policy relies. ► 'Bedouin overgrazing' pervades conservation thinking in St Katherine Protectorate despite destocking and contrary evidence. ► By ignoring political context and following received wisdom, conservation may promote marginalization of indigenous people. ► Conservation that works for biodiversity and people requires elucidation of its value-base and greater reliance on evidence.