The use of subsistence hunting at Santa Luzia settlement, in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre

Abstract

In Amazon, native fauna is considered the major source of animal protein consumed by rural populations and traditional people. The main cinegetic species used by these communities stand out: large mammals (ungulates: white-lipped peccary, deer and tapir; primates and rodents such as pacas and agoutis), avifauna (curassows, jacamins, jacus and nambus) and the reptiles (chelonians). The present study characterizes the use of subsistence hunting by rural dwellers at Santa Luzia settlement, in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre. The data collection was made by semi-structured questionnaire, composed of closed and open-ended questions, a total of 101 families were interviewed. About 163 animals where slaughtered each month at the study area, totaling approximately 1.400 animals slaughtered annually. Were pointed out 11 species of cinegetic use, among them, the armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), jacu (Opisthocomus hoazin), paca (Cuniculus paca) and the deer (Mazama sp.) are the most targeted for hunting in the locality, having the major acceptance by hunters. The technique of hunting on the spot is the most used by hunters followed by hunting with dogs. Nowadays, the time spent in the hunt is around 6 to 16 hours to obtain an animal. Deeper studies about understanding the pressure of hunting over these species become highly important to their maintenance and conservation on site.