LIMA, J. B. de.; LIMA, Josenilton Benigno de.
Resumen:
The hunting of wild birds even though it is an illegal activity occurs in all regions of Brazil.
Despite the importance of avifauna in the execution of activities essential for the maintenance
of the balance of ecosystems, studies indicate that 29 species of wild birds are hunted in the
Brazilian semi-arid region, specifically in the Caatinga Biome. Thus, the objective of the
research was to evaluate the profile of wild game hunters and hunters in the municipal area of
Livramento and regions in Cariri, Paraíba. A total of 17 wild bird species were identified in
19 localities (14) localities in the municipality of Livramento and (5) localities in neighboring
municipalities. One of these locations was the Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Nacional
(RPPN) Fazenda Almas, located in the municipalities of São José dos Cordeiros and Sumé.
Hunting took place during the day with the use of a firearm - cartridge rifle and shotgun socasoca
- and the night with the use of a shotgun. The hunters claimed that the hunted birds were
destined to feed their families, but there were commercialization of six species, Columbina
minuta (Rolinha-cafofa), Columbina picui (Rolinha branca), Nothura boraquira (Codorniz),
Crypturellos brevirostris (Pé-roxo), Leptotila verreauxi (Juriti) Zenaida auriculata (Arribaçã)
distributed in two families, Columbidae and Tinamidae in bars and people from other cities,
whose selling price varied between 160% and 280% of sale for re-sale. According to the
hunters, the meat flavor and body mass were relevant factors for the commercialization of
these species that were sold per unit. The price was related to the taste, body mass and
quantity of individuals in the region. As for income, most of the hunters interviewed declared
themselves to be low-income, basically consisting of federal income distribution programs,
the retirement of relatives or informal activities developed in agriculture and the raising of
small animals. Schooling up to third grade was verified among hunters. It was observed that
the hunting had alimentary, commercial purpose and was shown a cultural practice of rural
and urban communities transmitted from generation to generation.
