Values, animal symbolism, and human-animal relationships associated to two threatened felids in Mapuche and Chilean local narratives

Thora M Herrmann,Nadja Palomo,Nicolas Gálvez,Lisa Söhn,Pelayo Benavides,Elke Schüttler

doi:10.1186/1746-4269-9-41

Abstract

BackgroundThe Chilean temperate rainforest has been subjected to dramatic fragmentation for agriculture and forestry exploitation. Carnivore species are particularly affected by fragmentation and the resulting resource use conflicts with humans. This study aimed at understanding values and human-animal relationships with negatively perceived threatened carnivores through the disclosure of local stories and Mapuche traditional folktales.MethodsOur mixed approach comprised the qualitative analysis of 112 stories on the kodkod cat (Leopardus guigna) and the puma (Puma concolor) collected by students (9-14 years) from 28 schools in the Araucania region within their family contexts, 10 qualitative in-depth interviews with indigenous Mapuche people, 35 traditional Mapuche legends, and the significance of naming found in ethnographic collections.ResultsWe revealed a quasi-extinction of traditional tales in the current knowledge pool about pumas and kodkods, local anecdotes, however, were present in significant numbers. Values associated to both felids were manifold, ranging from negativistic to positive values. While pumas played an important role in people’s spirituality, negative mythological connotations persisted in kodkod stories. Four prominent relationships were derived: (1) Both felids represent threats to livestock, pumas even to life, (2) both felids are symbols for upcoming negative events, (3) pumas are spiritual creatures, and (4) kodkods are threatened by humans. Recommendations are provided for stimulating new ways of perceiving unpopular and threatened carnivores among those who live in vicinity to them.

Highlights

The Chilean temperate rainforest has been subjected to dramatic fragmentation for agriculture and forestry exploitation
Inskip & Zimmermann [4] reviewed the global patterns of human-felid conflicts and found that 75% of the world’s 37 felid species are involved in livestock depredation
To resolve human-felid conflicts, conservation approaches must deal with the dilemma that solutions are required for both parties: people and predators [6]

Summary

Introduction

The Chilean temperate rainforest has been subjected to dramatic fragmentation for agriculture and forestry exploitation. Carnivore species are affected by fragmentation and the resulting resource use conflicts with humans. Carnivores, among them many species of wild cats, which generally require large areas over which to forage, are affected by land use change and the resulting loss of prey species and habitat [2]. As part of the ongoing loss of habitat, people encroach into natural habitats provoking competition between humans and wildlife. Inskip & Zimmermann [4] reviewed the global patterns of human-felid conflicts and found that 75% of the world’s 37 felid species are involved in livestock depredation, To resolve human-felid conflicts, conservation approaches must deal with the dilemma that solutions are required for both parties: people and predators [6]. As simple as this relationship might seem, attitudes towards conflictive wildlife are extremely complex and involve evolutionary, psychological, genetic, social, and cultural factors [10]. According to cognitive hierarchy people develop wildlife values from a young age [11], which are culturally constructed, identity linked, and often resistant to change [12]

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