Rural Populations of Alagoinhas and Herpetofauna: Knowledge, Uses and Interactions

Abstract Background: Brazil has one of the greatest diversity of species of herpetofauna in the world. Associated with this diversity of species, rural communities in Brazil have developed a vast knowledge about these animals. The present research aimed to characterize the knowledge and influence of the socioeconomic variables of the population in the interaction between humans and herpetofauna of the rural area of the municipality of Alagoinhas. Methods : The free list method and semistructured questionnaire was used to list the species of the herpetofauna known by the informants. Results: A total amount of 39 species of amphibians and reptiles was cited by the informants. These interact with residents in the categories of food use, magical-religious purposes, medicine, pets and in conflicting relationships. Conclusion: Regarding the results of socioeconomic variables influencing knowledge, time of residence, gender, the location of the community, education level, explained the knowledge associated with the reptiles. For amphibians, time of residence and gender explained the knowledge associated.