Prática da caça por moradores urbanos na região oeste da rodovia Transamazônica paraense, no médio Xingu

Abstract

Hunting is an important socioeconomic and cultural activity for human populations, including riverine and indigenous ones. Although it is also practiced by urban populations, studies considering these actors are still scarce. Our objective was to characterize hunting by urban dwellers in three cities located in the west stretch of the Transamazon Highway in Pará. The research consisted of semi-structured interviews and informal conversations. The following characteristics were characterized: i) hunted animals, ii) employed techniques, iii) hunters 'socioeconomic profile, and iv) influence of species characteristics on hunters' preference or rejection. Interviews took place between March and May 2019. Principal Coordinate Analyzes were used to determine the most important characteristics in hunters' choice or rejection of species. 59 men were interviewed, 16 in Altamira, 24 in Brasil Novo and 19 in Medicilândia. Most of the interviewees had local origin (61%), incomplete elementary (46%) or high school (29%) and monthly income ≤1,500 reais (68%). Hunting is more frequent during drought, using the waiting technique (91%). Most respondents hunt in forested areas (86%), relatively close to cities. Twenty-one species were mentioned, including 15 mammals, 4 birds and 2 reptiles. Cuniculus paca (paca), Tayassu pecari (peccary), Mazama americana (red deer), and armadillos (Dasypodidae) were the most hunted species. The size, taste of meat, availability and existence of conflicts with agricultural activity were the main characteristics determining the preference of hunters. Ten species, including primates and tapirs (Tapirus terrestis), were rejected mainly due to their appearance, availability and taste of meat.