Ethnoornithological study in the rural district of Florestina, municipality of Araguari, Triângulo Mineiro region, Minas Gerais State

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of Cerrado avifauna among dwellers of the rural district of Florestina (Araguari, State of Minas Gerais) and to register the criteria of identification and nomenclature used by these people. The research was conducted from January 2002 to July 2003, using a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were done with twelve individuals from the community. We presented images and songs of 79 species of birds to the individuals to gauge their level of bird knowledge. The visual material consisted of boards (12x10 cm), containing images of 66 species. The acoustic material consisted of a compilation of 33 bird call recordings on compact discs. Tests were also accomplished to evaluate the capacity of the informers in associating voices and images, using 20 selected species of the Cerrado avifauna. The information was classified and analyzed. The interviewees showed a select perception on the biology of the birds of the area. The identification was made primarily by means of morphologic approaches
(color, forms and size). The interviewees named 87 ethnospecies and the popular names were mainly reflected in songs and behaviors. Key informers identified about 54% of the illustrations and 68% of the songs. Acoustic identification was wider and better than visual identification. The knowledge demonstrated by the group was very rich, but their knowledge is threatened by the lack of cultural transmission.