Game mammals of the Caatinga biome

Abstract

Mammals stand out among the main game animals of the world, being exploited by human beings for different ends, and being important for the subsistence of several communities. In semiarid environments, as in the Brazilian Caatinga biome, wild mammals have been exploited by the local human population, including endangered species. In this scenario, beyond biological research of the exploited animals, ethnozoological studies are important for supporting plans for the sustainable management and conservation strategies for the mammalian fauna of the semiarid landscape. This study aims to contribute to new research into the ethnomammalogy of this specific region. It provides a catalogue of the mammals and their ethnozoological importance, including a brief characterization of game mammals of the morphoclimatic domain of the Caatinga. The results show that at least 41 species of wild mammals interact with the population that lives in the semiarid region, as sources of products that can be used for the following purposes: food (31 species), medicinal (38 species), ornamental or decorative purposes (23 species), in magical/religious practices (31 species), and as pets (24 species). Twenty-five species are hunted because of concerns over personal safety or predation on livestock and pests. Among the recorded mammals, 13 (31.7%) are listed in some threatened category (Critically endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable). Hunting is one of the main factors contributing to this situation, which provides evidence that conservation strategies should consider the associated human needs, integrating cultural aspects of the local populations, and ecological aspects associated with the biodiversity of the region.

Ethnozoological study of animals based medicine used by traditional healers and indigenous inhabitants in the adjoining areas of Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, India

“…The second highest zootherapeutic animals to be used are mammals as some of them are domesticated animals. However, in some reports mammals and reptiles are among the main group of animals used in folk medicine [17, 51, 52]. The use of mammals in traditional medicine has also been reported from other parts of India [30, 31, 53].…”

Diversity of nonvolant mammals in a Caatinga area in northeastern Brazil

“…Currently, the population is diminishing in various locations mainly due to hunting pressure (their meat is very much appreciated), but also to habitat loss (Alves et al, 2016). These and other species seem to benefiting from the work to combat illegal hunting developed by the reserve administration (Associação Caatinga, 2012).…”

Ethnozoology as Complementary Method to Inventory Medium and Large-Bodied Mammals: The Case Study of Serra Do Ouro Branco, Brazil

“…This study indicated that local people knows more about mammals with which they coexist either through conflict, admiration, fear, economic or food interests (Pinto et al 2012(Pinto et al , 2015. In addition, other ethnozoological studies revealed great interest by mammals as target for hunting (Alves et al 2012, Vliet et al 2014, Alves & Souto 2015, Alves et al 2016.…”