Use of mammals in a semi-arid region of Brazil: an approach to the use value and data analysis for conservation

BackgroundThis study aimed to survey the knowledge and use of mammals by the residents of the rural community of Capivara in the municipality of Solanea (Paraiba State, Northeast Brazil) and to propose a new method of using the use value as a tool for data analysis in ethnozoological surveys.MethodsThe uses attributed to mammals were recorded through semi-structured interviews conducted with the breadwinners (men and women) living in the community. The species were identified through guided tours, by descriptions made by the interviewees, and using specimens donated by them, as well as by comparison with the pertinent scientific literature (morphological and ecological). Through the use value differentiated analysis, it was possible to distinguish the current use value of the species (effective use) from their potential use value (knowledge, but no effective use) to determine their real importance related to the uses cited by the studied group.ResultsNineteen species were cited; however, only 17 of them were identified and then distributed in 13 families. The other species were identified at the genus level Leopardus sp. and order Rodentia. The species were classified into 6 categories of use: food, captive breeding, zootherapeutic, artisanal, magic/religious, and veterinary purposes.ConclusionsThis article discusses possible conservation solutions, given the irregular exploitation of some species, warning about the biodiversity, and traditional knowledge conservation.