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Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine
Published in: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research

Students’ attitudes toward and knowledge about snakes in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil

Authors: Rômulo RN Alves, Vanessa N Silva, Dilma MBM Trovão, José V Oliveira, José S Mourão, Thelma LP Dias, Ângelo GC Alves, Reinaldo FP Lucena, Raynner RD Barboza, Paulo FGP Montenegro, Washington LS Vieira, Wedson MS Souto

Published in: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

Humans in various cultures have feared snakes, provoking an aversion and persecution that hinders conservation efforts for these reptiles. Such fact suggests that conservation strategies for snakes should consider the interactions and perceptions of the local population towards these animals. The aim of this study was to investigate students' perception of snakes and if attitudes and knowledge may differ according to gender and local residence (urban or rural).

Methods

Data was collected in the second half of 2012 and consisted of questionnaires applied to 108 students in the Basic Education School in the municipality of Sumé, located in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil.

Results

The male respondents recognized more species than female did. Part of the students affirmed to have a fear of snakes, especially women. Nearly half of respondents (49%) showed negative behaviour towards these animals, reflecting the influence of potential risk and myths associated with snakes, and supported by a limited knowledge about these animals and their ecological and utilitarian role. We find that the rural students recognized significantly more species than the urban students.

Conclusions

Our results point to the need for educational interventions in order to increase knowledge about the positive aspects associated with snakes, seeking to minimize the influence of myths and beliefs that contribute to a strong aversion to snakes by the locals. Conservation strategies should therefore engage students but also teachers, who are key individuals in the process.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Students’ attitudes toward and knowledge about snakes in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil
Authors
Rômulo RN Alves
Vanessa N Silva
Dilma MBM Trovão
José V Oliveira
José S Mourão
Thelma LP Dias
Ângelo GC Alves
Reinaldo FP Lucena
Raynner RD Barboza
Paulo FGP Montenegro
Washington LS Vieira
Wedson MS Souto
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1746-4269
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-10-30

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