Quilombola and scientific knowledge about large mammals in Brazilian Atlantic Forest: a comparative approach

Quilombola and scientific knowledge about large mammals in Brazilian Atlantic Forest: a comparative approach

Session: 
Poster Session
Author(s): 
PRADO, Helbert Medeiros - Laboratory of Human Evolutionary Studies, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo
Rui Sérgio Sereni MURRIETA - Laboratory of Human Evolutionary Studies, Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo
Cristina ADAMS - Laboratory of Human Ecology and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Complex Systems (NISC-USP), University of São Paulo
Eduardo Sonnewend BRONDIZIO - Department of Anthropology, Anthropological Center for Training and Research on Global Environmental Change, Indiana University

In this study, we compared the knowledge of a Brazilian quilombola population regarding the habitat use and life habits of large mammals with in situ recordings of the species. We also tested the hypothesis that quilombola LEK has a special focus on the anthropogenic portion of the landscape. The habitats investigated were anthropogenic secondary forests and mature forests in the Ribeira Valley (SE Brazil). We conducted the faunal survey using the camera-trap method. For the ethnoecological recording, we used informal, semi-structured and structured interviews. We present two principal results: (1) In the study area, the secondary forests resulting from shifting cultivation were as attractive to the species as the mature forests; (2) The LEK has a special focus on the more anthropogenic portion of the landscape studied. Finally, we argue that this environmental focus in LEK is part of what makes it different from scientific knowledge and unique.