Ethnozoology of the Tapir (Tapirus terrestris) in Venezuela

Abstract

In order to know the relationship between local peoples and tapirs we developed personal interviews to gather information about the uses of lowland tapirs and their products (meat, bones, skin, etc.). The methodology implemented consisted in establishing conversations with local hunters and their families living inside tapir habitat, and using color plates with pictures of different wildlife species (mammals and birds) so hunters could point out the species they hunted. In addition, a literature revision was done to gather information for other areas of the country not visited during this study. We conducted 118 interviews in Aragua and Yaracuy States. Around 56% of the interviewed persons do not hunt tapirs due to various reasons (mythic-religious, legal penalties, species unknown, pity); 43,4% hunt tapirs for consumption and medical use. We found five different uses given to Tapirus terrestris in northern Venezuela. Low population levels and possible local extinctions are suspected in two states by means of indirect indicators.