Caracterização do uso comercial e de subsistência da fauna silvestre no município de Abaetetuba, PA

Abstract

This work analyzed the use of local fauna by rural and urban populations in the municipality of Abaetetuba, PA (1°42.008’ W 048°54.009’), to study the feasibility of commercial breeding of wildlife in that region. Interviews were conducted with vendors and customers of the local street fair; local fauna destined for food consumption was monitored in the year 2005; riverside communities were visited and interviews conducted with the inhabitants of Capim, Xingu and Quianduba islands; captive breeding know-how of local rural producers was verified. Approximately 5,970 kg of wildlife meat belonging to eight ethno-species (opossums, deers, capybaras, paca, armadillos, black caiman, spectacled caiman e matamata) were sold at the local street faire, capybaras and caiman accounting for most of the sales, 64% and 34% respectively. Vendors were financially highly dependent on this activity, which generated a monthly income of as much as 600 reais. Consumers in Abaetetuba or near regions would purchase these products mostly due to cultural habits rather than for financial reasons. The primary subsistence activities (fishing and extraction of cabbage palm’s fruit) practiced by riverside populations have been declining or do not meet their feeding necessities. Hunting is still a common practice for some of the riverside inhabitants. 55 (38%) of them have hunted at least once in the one year period before this research was conducted and removed a total of 68 small sized animals, including opossums, agouties, armadillos, pacas, spiny rats and iguanas. Local farmers mentioned as favorable factors for breeding wildlife animals the protection of wildlife species and income generation; and as unfavorable the lack of technical and financial support, red tape, and high production costs. The formation of a participative management system, involving the community, government and private sectors is mentioned as a necessary condition for the implementation of commercial breeding of wildlife animals in this municipality.