Etnozoologia da comunidade rural do sertão em Alto Paraíso de Goiás, GO, Brasil

Abstract

Ethnozoological knowledge is the aim of the present work, whose objective was to gather information on socioeconomic profile, interactions and utilization of faunistic resources, diversity of species known by the residents, verify the interactions between domestic and wild fauna and the perception of the residents in relation to the Protected Areas. The rural community of Sertao is located in the Vao do Parana, where the process of occupation of Chapada dos Veadeiros began. Region of historical and cultural importance, in the municipality of Alto Paraiso de Goias, GO. To the east, in the Pouso Alto Environmental Protection Area and in the buffer zone of the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park. Data collection was done through semi-structured and open interviews with 29 residents, being 13 women and 16 men all between the ages of 12 and 86. There were 102 animals cited (99 vertebrates and 03 invertebrates) within the community. The number of wild animals (n = 93) was greater comparatively to domesticated animals (n = 9). The faunistic group of birds had the greatest number of species (n = 38), followed by mammals (n = 29) and reptiles (n = 14), ichthyofauna with eight species and amphibians with only one species cited. The interviewees named 15 wild and three domesticated animals that are used in medical and artisanal practices. Hunting was mentioned very little and was cited as an antiquated use by residents who hunt armadillos and deer. Beyond the interaction between wild and domestic fauna, the interviewed residents also cited myths and beliefs about the animals. The study points to the importance of recording this knowledge to future generations of the country people of the region. Current efforts for biological conservation added to the understanding of traditional practices, they are of great relevance to the biological and cultural biodiversity of Chapada dos Veadeiros.