Traditional ecological knowledge of fish fauna in quilombolas on the Alto Guaporé, Mato Grosso, Southern Amazonia, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this research was to study the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) related to fishing among the ethnic group self-identified as quilombola people, and it included analysis of factors influencing the cultural consensus and techniques used in artisanal fishing. Twenty-four men and seven women from the Retiro, Boqueirão, Casalvasco and Manga quilombo communities participated. Sampling methods included snowball, free listing, and participant observation. The results include a list of 47 ethnospecies (46 fish and one reptile). The cultural consensus is composed of: Hoplias malabaricus, Cichla sp., Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum, Astronotus ocellatus, Satanoperca pappaterra, Brycon cephalus, Piaractus mesopotamicus, P. corruscans, Pimelodus sp., Colossoma macropomum, Pygocentrus nattereri, Mylossoma aureum, Astyanax sp., and Leporinus freiderici. While the wealth of knowledge tended to be greater among people who resided temporarily in other Brazilian states, this was not related to the age of the interviewees. The maintenance and transmission of TEK stems from daily contact with fish and the river, from childhood on, as well as observation of group fishing practices. TEK is part of their identity and represents a valuable cultural heritage. Participation by these social actors in decision-making and management plans for protected areas is necessary.