Uso histórico y actual de las tortugas de río por parte de las comunidades locales vinculadas al Parque Nacional Natural El Tuparro. Vichada-Colombia

Abstract

This study sought to identify the dynamics of use and exploitation that the communities Linked to the El Tuparro National Natural Park, it maintains against river turtles. Through the implementation of semi-structured interviews and the development of social maps was achieved obtain information provided by the local inhabitants of the Curripaco ethnic group in Isla Peniel and Isla Churuata and the llaneros settlers in Garcitas and Casuarito. From the results obtained, it is identified that the species of greater use and exploitation are part of the genera Podocnemis and Peltocephalus. Villagers recognize the species P. expansa, P. unifilis, P. vogli and Peltocephalus dumerilianus. Use and exploitation activities are key for the subsistence of the inhabitants of the region. Among these are recognized: consumption, commercialization and artisan production. No medicinal uses or possession are recorded as mascot. Finally, when inquiring about hunting gear, the following are needed: lighting, buoy, mesh, the hook, the spinel, cacure or enclosure. Hunting dynamics differ between indigenous and llaneros. It is important to highlight that the valuation, respect and protection for nature are principles that characterize the local people who participated in the research. Thus demonstrating that, despite the cultural differences identified in the populations, man recognizes his responsibility with the environment.