Local Ecological Knowledge about Endangered Primates in a Rural Community in Paraíba, Brazil

Abstract

The study of local ecological knowledge (LEK) fosters a better understanding of the relationship between humans and the environment. We assessed respondents' ecological knowledge of primates in a rural community located near the Atlantic Forest remnants in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Populations of Alouatta belzebul (red-handed howler monkeys), Sapajus flavius (blonde capuchins), and Callithrix jacchus (the common marmoset) inhabit the region. We conducted 200 semi-structured interviews and applied thematic content analysis, with weighting, to the responses to quantify the LEK. Respondents showed a low LEK, despite the community's proximity to forest remnants. However, the LEK was significantly higher among men, as well as among those who had a greater degree of contact with the primates. Age did not influence LEK. The studied community apparently does not intensively exploit the forest resources nor does it economically depend on primates, which may explain these individuals' low levels of knowledge about these animals. Such data may support future studies, as well as environmental education and action plans, especially for A. belzebul and S. flavius, both of which are endangered species and targets of the National Action Plan for the Conservation of the Primates of the Northeast.

Opinions, attitudes and perceptions of local people towards the conservation of Nigeria‐Cameroon chimpanzees in Mpem‐Djim National Park, central Cameroon

“…However, the impact of age and gender on LEK about chimpanzees is somehow controversial. Some studies find similar effects as in our study (Gebo et al., 2022; Sousa et al., 2014; Teixeira et al., 2021), where other studies did not (Junior et al., 2016; Zhang et al., 2020). These differences are discussed as reflecting varying histories and tradition of forest use among local communities (Da Silva Costa et al., 2023).…”

Community-Based Workshops to Involve Rural Communities in Wildlife Management Case Study: Bighorn Sheep in Baja California, Mexico

“…This lack of knowledge is common in rural communities, where the information available about wildlife comes from the interactions and relationships that local people have with it [3]. Therefore, local knowledge focuses on the characteristics that are easier to observe and those that are more relevant to the use of wildlife species: uses, diet, distribution, breeding season, population trends, and threats [60][61][62][63].…”

Conhecimento popular, ações educativas e suas implicações para a conservação dos bugios-ruivos, <i>Alouatta guariba clamitans</i>, em Santa Maria, sul do Brasil

“…No processo de planejamento de ações educativas e conservacionistas é importante considerar as características de cada bairro quanto a trabalho/emprego, habitação, saúde e segurança que podem afetar a atenção dos moradores (Santos e Souza, 2015). Além disso, moradores que convivem mais frequentemente com bugios, podem ter melhor conhecimento sobre seus aspectos ecológicos (Torres Júnior et al, 2016) e, mais facilmente, sensibilizarem-se sobre a necessidade de sua proteção.…”