The Rodent Trade of Tzeltal Indians of Oxchuc, Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract

Wildlife has always been an important natural resource for human societies to satisfy their need for food, clothing, medicine, tools, fuel, and ritual objects (Fa et al. 2002; P?rez-Gil et al. 1995). In particular, wild mammals have been a major source of protein for rural societies throughout Latin America (Ojasti and Dallmeier 2000; Redford and Robinson 1987; Robinson and Redford 1991). In Mexico alone, around 100 wild mammal species have known uses by local communities (Lopez-Wilchis et al 1992; Naranjo et al. 2004; Uribe and Arita 1998). In spite of the fact that small rodent species represent a significant part of mammalian diversity (Ceballos et al. 2002), the recorded use of rodents in Mexico has focused on large and medium-sized species (Guerra 2001; Jorgenson 2000; Naranjo 2002). However, there is evidence of the use of small rodents as sources of