Conhecimento, uso e manejo de Galea spixii (Wagler, 1831) e Kerodon rupestris (Wied-Neuwied, 1820) no semiárido do Rio Grande do Norte (Nordeste do Brasil)

Abstract

The social relationships of human beings and the environment, in which they are, reassemble from many years of interaction or even coevolution of the individuals involved in this process. Among the animal species that have sociocultural significance, are the rodents Galea spixii (Wagler, 1831) and Kerodon rupestris (Wied-Neuwied, 1820) commonly known as preá and mocó respectively, present and distributed throughout the Caatinga biome. In this way, the study aimed through semi-structured interviews to identify, knowledge, use (s) potential and current and the management form (s) that social actors of rural communities in the semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte have/do about these animals, four utilitarian purposes are described (food, creation, zootherapy and craft purposes). Individuals are acquired through hunting techniques (eight attributed to G. spixii and seven to K. rupestris). In addition, it was recorded that currently the species are used for food and raising purposes, for the last some forms of care are necessary concerning the handling of the specimens. This information is essential for the tracing of conservation plans in localities involving interactions between humans and biodiversity.