Conhecimento e percepções da diversidade local de mamíferos por comunidades rurais na sub-bacia do rio Guareí, sudoeste de São Paulo
Resumen
Ethnozoology focuses on elucidating the human-wildlife relationship, perceptions and human
knowledge acquired about Earth's faunal. Ethnozoological studies on mammals in Brazil are
relatively scarce and mainly address inventories, hunting and other uses, leaving aside aspects
of human perception of this faunal group. The Guareí River sub-basin, located in the southwest
of the state of São Paulo, has characteristics that value the recovery of local ethnozoological
knowledge, with rural communities amid relatively preserved natural environments and rich
fauna. The present study investigated the knowledge and perceptions of the rural population
about the diversity of mammals in this region. For this, semi-structured interviews were carried
out, between April and June 2023, with 30 residents (10 women and 20 men) from the rural
neighborhoods of Angatuba: Arealzinho, Modestos and Leites. Of the 35 mammal species with
possible occurrence in the region, only the red-headed howler monkey (Alouatta guariba
clamitans) was not mentioned by any of the interviewees as having been seen in the study area.
The target audience carries very peculiar customs and traditions in relation to coexistence with
mammals in the region. Habits such as hunting and consuming the meat of these animals are
still alive in people's customs or memories, in addition to the use of meat and other parts of
animals for medicinal and/or sympathetic purposes. About residents' perceptions regarding
mammals, a strong interaction between them was noticed. Many revealed that they believe that
animals can attack, but only when they are threatened. Some believe that animals can transmit
diseases to both humans and domestic animals, in addition to bringing economic losses to the
community. Finally, the interviewees showed a strong environmental awareness, realizing the
importance of fauna and pointing out the potential causes of animal population decline, such
as deforestation, hunting and the introduction of invasive species. The present study generated
a first overview of rural communities in the Guareí River sub-basin in relation to their
perceptions regarding the population dynamics of mammals in the region over time and the
identification of behaviors that can be shaped with a view to conserving the species.
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