Hunting, capture, and wildlife use by communities in a semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil

Human beings have established interactions with animals for all of human history, using their products in various ways and passing on this knowledge from one generation to the next. Hunting is one of the oldest interactions. We analyzed aspects and motivations associated with hunting and capture activities in northeastern Brazil. Hunters mentioned 44 species of wild animals that are hunted and/or captured in the municipality, especially birds followed by mammals and reptiles. Of this total, 38 species were present in the lists of threatened species. The main motivation for hunting was food. The results of our study reflect the cultural and socioeconomic importance of hunting and capture activities for traditional communities and also the pressure that these practices can represent for populations of wild animals. This highlights the need for further studies accompanying the development of strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of local fauna.

Automated summary

This study analyzed aspects and motivations associated with hunting and capture activities in northeastern Brazil. The results highlight the cultural and socioeconomic importance of these activities for traditional communities, as well as the pressure they can exert on wild animal populations. Further research and the development of strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of local fauna are needed.