Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objective: A study about ethnozoological valuation for native wild rodents (Coendou prehensilis, Cuniculus paca, Dasyprocta punctata, Hydrochoerus isthmius and Notosciurus granatensis) in rural areas of department of Sucre, Colombian Caribbean is presented. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Research was realized between July 2017 and June 2018 with use of semi structured questionnaires applied to autochthonous users (638) of faunistic resources following snowball methodology; information obtained was analyzed for socio-economic aspects of informers and used species, for which was obtained: Mention Frequency (MF), Use Value Index (UVI), Relative Popularity Level (RPL), Accuracy Level Index (ALI) and Diversity Value of each Animal Index (DVAI). Findings: N. granatensis and D. punctata was the species with higher numbers of ethnozoological categories associated (7/10), but C. paca and H. isthmius presented higher values of MF (627 and 349), UVI (1 and 0.56) and RPL (0.98 and 0.55). On the other hand, data about species included in categories of aphrodisiac, amulet, craftwork, commerce, consumption, pet, ornamental, problematic and breeding are contributed; also, ethnomedical notes that emphasize the use of several parts are presented for C. paca (DVAI = 0.57) for popular treatment of various ailments. Application: Ethnozoology is very important contribution to support biological study; it conjugates valuable anthropologic information regarding to wildlife; equally, it is a valuable tool for community programs for conservation and sustainable use.

Keywords: Caribbean, Colombia, Ethonobiology, Use, Wild Rodents