Zootherapeutic uses of wildmeat and associated products in the semiarid region of Brazil: general aspects and challenges for conservation

Abstract

BackgroundHunting wildlife for medicinal purposes is a widespread practice throughout Brazil; however, studies about the animals used for zootherapeutic practices have been performed almost exclusively with traders (herbalists) and end consumers, and not hunters. This makes it difficult to completely understand the market chain, trade strategies, and drivers of this practice. The present study investigated the species hunted or trapped for traditional medicinal uses by collecting data about the use and trade of the zootheurapeutic species.MethodsWe collected data through semi-structured questionnaires complemented by free interviews and informal conversations with hunters in five municipalities of semiarid region of the NE Brazil. We calculated the Use-Value (UV) index to determine the relative importance of each species reported by interviewees. The Multiple Linear Regression model was used to assess the influence of socioeconomic factors (age, schooling, residence zone, trade of zootherapeutic species) on species richness exploited by hunters.ResultsHunters reported a significant richness of species (n = 39) intentionally or opportunistically captured for use as remedies for treatment of 92 diseases or conditions in humans or livestock. Respondents also reported trade strategies that were well-organized and quickly directed the selling of wild animals or byproducts via modern technology. We found a weak positive relationship only between species richness and hunters’ age via MLR model.ConclusionsThe hunting and use of wild species for medicinal purposes are culturally disseminated activities among hunters. Our results demonstrate the importance of studying hunters in order to understanding the dynamics of bushmeat exploitation and to develop more efficient strategies for wildlife use and conservation.

Ethno-medicinal uses of vertebrates in the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape, central Nepal

“…Middle-aged people mentioned more about the uses of species than young or too old ( Fig 3 ). Middle-aged people (50 to 60) possess the significant traditional knowledge compared to younger and too old as their long interaction with animal species and they can easily memories the used animals and plants for the treatment of different ailments than too old people [ 4 , 10 , 27 , 87 ].…”

“…The questionnaires contained background information, household profiles, use of animals and animal parts for medicine and sanitary issues in Nepali language and later translated into an English language ( S1 and S2 Files). The respondents were chosen randomly, but were well representatives from different ethnic groups, geographic locations, age, sex, profession, and education levels [ 10 , 45 , 60 ]. In total, 204 respondents were interviewed during 2018–2019.…”

Resgate do conhecimento etnozooterápico da Comunidade Barra do Una (Peruíbe-SP)

“…Vale lembrar que, mesmo sendo sancionado pelo IBAMA a Lei 5.197, desde 3 de janeiro de 1967, na qual proíbe em todo território brasileiro: a utilização, destruição, perseguição, caça ou apanho de animais selvagens, e assegurando proteção integral a seus ninhos, abrigos e criadouros naturais (Camargo & Camargo, 2010), de acordo com Alves et al (2007), a etnozooterapia, para inúmeras comunidades brasileiras, continua sendo uma das únicas formas de se obter a cura de doenças, visto que, em muitos locais, o acesso à medicina moderna fica em segundo plano devido a inúmeros fatores geográficos e sociais. A exemplo, essa é uma atividade corriqueira na região nordeste brasileira, dadas as precárias situações socioeconômicas da região (Alves et al, 2007;Souto et al, 2018;Santos et al, 2019). Porém, de acordo com Santos et al (2019), as atividades de caça, para obtenção do produto animal tanto para alimentação quanto para uso medicinal e outros, estão estritamente ligadas ao declínio populacional destes.…”

A biocultural approach to the use of natural resources in Northeast Brazil: A socioeconomic perspective

“…The animals cited by the informants were recorded according to their citation. Species were identified based on (1) analyzes of individuals (or parts of the body) donated by the participants; (2) analysis of photographs of animals taken during interviews or by accompanying informants during their acquisition; and (3) tracking of vernacular names with the help of taxonomists who are familiar with local wildlife (Souto et al 2018). The identification of the species was also facilitated by the use of specialized literature (Alves et al 2011;.…”