RECOGNITION AND TRADITIONAL USES OF MEDIUM AND LARGE MAMMALS BY COMMUNITIES OF THE JAIKERAZAVI INDIGENOUS RESERVATION (EMBERA KATIOS) MUTATÁ, ANTIOQUIA, COLOMBIA

Abstract

Indigenous communities have traditional knowledge about the wild fauna present in their territories and that is why they play an important role when it comes to knowing the uses that some species can have and their biological-social relationships. The objective of this work was to know the species of mammals that are distributed and used by the Embera Eyabida indigenous communities of the Abibe mountain range. Methodologies such as the use of camera traps, 70 structured surveys and field trips were used. The communities identified 40 species of wild mammals, among which five are reported to be of conservation interest at the national level, such as the jaguar (Panthera onca), the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the tapir (Tapirus terrestris), the black mica (Ateles fusciceps) and the cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus). The use of 15 species of mammals was identified, highlighting those that are used in traditional medicine. Our results suggest the great importance of this group of vertebrates for indigenous communities and the need to promote species conservation plans and strengthen articulation with other conservation figures such as the Paramillo National Natural Park that adjoins these reservations.