Abstract
BackgroundIndigenous cultures are the result of their adaptation to the natural surroundings, in such a way that, amongst their main features is a set of knowledge, technologies and strategies for the appropriation of nature. In Cuetzalan del Progreso, Puebla, Mexico snakes represent 71.1% of the total local herpetofauna; and in addition to this, different groups of Nahuas have shown to have information of their use of various snake species in many ways. This study was conducted to investigate the traditional uses of snakes in this cultural group.MethodsFormal and informal interviews were conducted with the inhabitants of the communities. During these interviews, 30 images of the different species of snakes present in the area were presented to the subjects, so that they would recognize them and reveal information about the knowledge they possess on them. A usage analysis was applied to each species considering the following categories: food purposes, medicinal, artisanal and magical-religious. Likewise, the frequency, the diversity and the value of use was estimated for these snakes.ResultsA total of 51 interviews were carried out. The individuals recognized 18 out of 30 images of snakes that were presented. The total of usage categories was five; we found that the magic-religious use was the most mentioned by 32 personas. Boa imperator and Antropoides nummifer were the species with the highest value of use. More than half of the interviewees mentioned killing snakes because they’re poisonous and aggressive. In the magic-religious aspect the “Danza de los Negritos” is highlighted; this is a local festival, brought by Africans, and alludes to snakes.ConclusionsThis study revealed that snakes are still very important for the culture in Cuetzalan del Progreso, finding that the magical-religious and the medicinal use stand out. On the other hand, the fear and misperception on the toxicity of snakes might represent a potential threat for their conservation. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a long-term monitoring of the ethno-zoological activities, and develop a sustainable management plan compatible with the cultural characteristics of the natives of the region.
Highlights
Indigenous cultures are the result of their adaptation to the natural surroundings, in such a way that, amongst their main features is a set of knowledge, technologies and strategies for the appropriation of nature
It is of a high importance to analyze how the human populations perceive and incorporate those traditional elements to relate to nature [3], and so contribute with effective strategies of conservation [4]. Those ethnozoological studies that explore the relationships between communities and the utilized fauna as well as a perception they have of the different species are very important
The known fact that Nahua groups have the information for the use of different species of snakes [39, 40], we considered it necessary to retake this knowledge from other localities in the area: San Miguel Zinacapan and Ayotzinapan, in the municipality of Cuetzalan del Progreso, in the State of Puebla, to document the perception and the practices of the usage of snakes in the region
Summary
Indigenous cultures are the result of their adaptation to the natural surroundings, in such a way that, amongst their main features is a set of knowledge, technologies and strategies for the appropriation of nature. It is of a high importance to analyze how the human populations perceive and incorporate those traditional elements to relate to nature [3], and so contribute with effective strategies of conservation [4] In this sense, those ethnozoological studies that explore the relationships between communities and the utilized fauna as well as a perception they have of the different species are very important. Wilson and Johnson [7] reported that the highest levels of herpetofauna endemism in Mesoamerica are found in Mexico, with 259 (66.8%) amphibian species and 474 (57.2%) reptile species Among these reptiles, snakes have a particular importance, and have been considered a sacred deity, associated to the forces of nature due to their unique method of locomotion, similar to the movement of water and lightning [8], by different cultures of the world at different moments [9]. Snakes have created a strong aversion and are persecuted by man, being probably that group of animals with the worst reputation [10]
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