Etnoherpetologia com ênfase em Tupinambis Merianae (DUMÉRIL & BIBRON, 1839)(SQUAMATA: TEIIDAE) em comunidades rurais do semiárido cearense.

Abstract

The ethno-herpetology constitutes a branch of ethnozoology that seeks to understand the relations between man and reptiles. Tupinambis merianae (Teiidae) has wide distribution by various Brazilian terrestrial biomes and ecosystems, and hunting target for having resources used in ethnomedicine. The aim of this study was to analyze and discuss the ethno-herpetological knowledge of residents of rural communities belonging to the city of Barro, in Ceará, Brazil. Data were collected between March and August of 2016, through semi-structured interviews, addressing the biological and ecological knowledge of reptiles, as well as on the importance of managing these in zootherapy. The information obtained on the local herpetofauna, as well as on reproduction, nutrition, morphology, behavior and the use of resources extracted from T. merianae showed compatibility with bibliographic review. However, the hibernation of this species proved different for the Caatinga, occurring after the rainy season, where the absence of defined seasons culminated in an animal rehabilitation before the local reality. Therefore, further studies are needed in the region to maintain the ethno- herpetological knowledge through the generations, especially with T. merianae, so that they can draw comparisons about their biological behavior with other biomes and ecosystems.