Ethnozoology of Sotalia fluviatilis (Cetacea, Delphinidae), in the north channel of the Amazon River, Amapá – Brazil

Abstract

The tucuxi, Sotalia fluviatilis is a species of river dolphin from the Amazon basin. The species is insufficiently known by science, and completely lacking information for the state of Amapá. Given this fact, the work aims to verify the level of traditional knowledge of the local riverside community about the tucuxi dolphin, S. fluviatilis from the north channel of the Amazon River, Amapá. Interviews were carried out with the population residing in the vicinity of the study area with the application of an interview form. Most interviewees frequently observed individuals of S. fluviatilis, mainly in small groups, also stating that the tucuxi dolphin was much more frequent in the past. Displacement, jumping and feeding behaviors were the most reported. In this way, studies that subsidize contemplating initiatives about the knowledge of key species are essential for taking measures, aiming to optimize conservation strategies for this aquatic mammal in the State of Amapá

Keywords

• Conhecimento tradicional, Mammalia, Tucuxi.