TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE OF BIRDS INHABITING SAN ANDRES DE LA CAL, TEPOZTLAN, MORELOS, MEXICO

Abstract

Background. The study of bird wildlife from an ethnoecological perspective allows to record the importance that indigenous and farming community has on these vertebrates, in view of their traditions, customs, and beliefs. Objetive. To analize the traditional ecological knowledge of the avifauna in San Andres de la Cal, Tepoztlan, Morelos, Mexico. Methodology. A total of 60 semi-structured interviews, as well as the participating observer technical were used. In addition to guided tours in which, with the help of field guides, bird species were identified. Results. A total of 101 bird species were identified by the interviewees; achieving a classification of 19 orders and 39 families found throughout four distinct areas of the community. Out of these four, the tropical dry forest stands out with sightings that account for 91 of the registered species. The ecological functions of 17 of these species are known and four of them are harmful. In addition, 17 species are used as food, amulets, and for decorative purposes. The preferred hunting tools are as follows: shotgun (67%), slingshot (57%) and rifle (28%). The community’s inhabitants claim to have identified 21 species that are linked to meteorological or atmospheric phenomena, bad omens such as death or illness, or foretell meaningful events that may occur in the household.  Implications. The data allows local knowledge to be reassessed of the inhabitants of San Andrés de la Cal have with the avifauna; in hopes of better helping them integrate both management and conservation policies.  Conclusion. The inhabitants of San Andrés de la Cal have long lived and interacted with these birds and thus they have gathered and developed knowledge, practices and a cosmovision about these species, which can be integrated into community projects such as bird tourism.