SOUSA, Francisco Oliveira de.
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.
