USE, PRACTICES AND LOCAL KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE CONTINENTAL TURTLES (TESTUDINES: CRYPTODIRA) OF THE COMMUNITY OF PLAYÓN DE LA GLORIA, CHIAPAS, MEXICO

Abstract

A study was carried out in the community of Playón de la Gloria, Marqués de Comillas, Chiapas, Mexico, to analyze the local knowledge that exists about turtles. Three field trips were carried out, in which 50 semi-structured interviews were conducted with local people about taxonomy, uses and practices associated with turtles. Six ethnotaxa were recognized, of which genus Kinosternon and Chelydra included more than one species. The most mentioned ethnotaxon corresponds to the casquito or pochitoque turtle (Kinosternon spp.). The least mentioned was that of the mojina or pantanera turtle (Rhinoclemmys areolata). 46% of those interviewed perceive turtles as part of the ecosystem and consider that turtles play an important ecological role. Interviewees described five categories of use: ornamental, medicinal, recreational, commercial, and gastronomic. The most mentioned use was ornamental. Ecological knowledge was recorded about habitat, temporality, reproduction, and abundance of the turtles. The local knowledge of the people in Playón de la Gloria towards turtles is substantial and utilitarian. There has been an historical decrease in the densities of the populations of these vertebrates due to uncontrolled illegal harvesting. In turn, of the six genera of turtles that are important for use in this locality, five are under some category of risk, according to national and international criteria. Considering the above, it is necessary to work together with the inhabitants of Playón de la Gloria and neighboring towns to integrate their knowledge and perceptions to the conservation proposals in the region.