Abstract

ALDANA MEJIA, Narli Johana; DIAZ PORRES, Mónica; FEIJOO MARTINEZ, Alexander  and  QUINTERO, Heimar. WILDLIFE PERCEPTION AND RECOGNITION IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ALCALÁ, DEPARTMENT DEL VALLE DEL CAUCA, COLOMBIA. Luna Azul [online]. 2016, n.43, pp.56-81. ISSN 1909-2474.  https://doi.org/10.17151/luaz.2016.43.4.

To document the perception and recognition of local bird, mammal, amphibian, and reptile species, located in the Central Andes of Colombia were selected. Farmers aged 30 years and older were interviewed to identify areas of habitat, species, and land use coverage. The local recognition made by the local farmers was translated by researchers into taxa, complemented with visits to farms, sightseen, and with the help of field guides. Overall, 168 species were documented of which 103 corresponded to birds, 31 to mammals, 17 to amphibians, and 17 to reptiles. The results of four principal component analyses show that the local farmers are capable of recognizing and perception birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, with significant differences in land uses (p < 0.01, Monte Carlo test). Bird species were grouped according to direct use and eating habits; mammals were grouped according to direct and indirect use; and finally reptiles were grouped according to use as commercial, ornamental, artisanal, and hunting. Birds ranked highest in presence in all land uses and such land covers (fruit trees, 47.5%; plantain and banana plantations, 45%; shade-grown coffee, 40%). The needs for meetings and the acquisition of local cultural repertoires to improve governmental policies regarding biodiversity conservation and to relate wildlife habitat quality with local farming systems was confirmed.

Keywords : Local knowledge; ethnozoology; land use; use value; wildlife.

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