Perceptions about aspects of chelonian conservation in the Lower Xingu region, Southeastern Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

Increased understanding of the cultural, social and economic roles of Amazonian turtles is essential for establishing effective management and conservation plans. In this sense, through semi-structured interviews and content analysis, the present study evaluated perceptions of residents of the lower Xingu region about aspects related to the conservation of turtles. Most of the 55 residents interviewed consider that turtles have great cultural, social and environmental importance; highlights customs and lack of financial resources as the main reasons for the use of turtles in the region; recognizes that the conservation initiatives developed are effective, however, affirms that natural stocks have decreased or are decreasing due to anthropic action; I would voluntarily participate in actions to conserve turtles, but I would not encourage family and friends not to consume these reptiles. Knowledge and attitudes about turtles were related to the interviewees' socioeconomic characteristics. The results suggest that due to the cultural use as food and the illegal trade, the turtles suffer intense hunting pressure. As well as showing the relevance of cultural and socioeconomic aspects, effective community involvement, generation of income alternatives and continuous educational efforts to recover and maintain the species of turtles in the region. Future studies should assess the long-term effects of the use and consumption of these reptiles on their natural stocks, as well as deepen the knowledge about how the socioeconomic variables influence the habits and attitudes of local inhabitants towards these animals.