Dados do Trabalho

Título

PROFILE OF AMAZONIAN CHELONIAN CONSUMPTION IN A COMMUNITY IN THE AMAZON-BRAZIL

Introdução

The consumption of Amazonian chelonians is ingrained in the dietary culture, serving as a significant protein source for riverine populations, traditional communities, and those residing in rural municipalities often situated near river courses and within dense forests. Cheloniculture, the zootechnical activity aimed at the rational production of chelonians, holds strong sustainable potential. However, successfully implementing projects within this productive chain necessitates a thorough understanding of the potentially consuming market. Therefore, the objective of this study was to profile the consumption of Amazonian chelonians among the population of Balbina communities located in the municipality of Presidente Figueiredo, Amazonas state, through structured questionnaires.

Material e Métodos

These questionnaires were administered in person to ensure anonymity, with consent and personal data protection measures in place. A total of 78 individuals were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire that inquired about the socioeconomic profile of the respondents and their consumption habits regarding chelonian meat and eggs. This research obtained approval from the Research Ethics Committee of Universidade Federal Fluminense under 2,899,092 number.

Resultados e Discussão

Among the respondents, only 13% (10/78) consumed chelonian meat, while 87% (68/78) did not. Conversely, fish consumption was widespread, with 99% (77/78) of respondents opting for fish consumption nearly daily. Regarding chelonian egg consumption, 10% (8/78) claimed to consume them, while 90% (70/78) did not. Among the consumers of chelonian meat and/or eggs, all (11/11) were male. The most consumed chelonian species included the tracajá (Podocnemis unifilis), mentioned seven times, followed by the tartaruga do Amazonas (P. expansa), mentioned five times. Other species were mentioned only once: irapuca (P. erythrocephala), perema (Rhinoclemmys punctularia), muçuã (Kinosternon scorpioides), cabeçudo (Peltocephalus dumerilianus) and jabuti (Chelonoidis spp.).

Conclusão

Research has identified the consumption of various chelonian species in the Amazon, along with a prevailing discomfort and taboo surrounding chelonian consumption due to concerns regarding environmental legislation. Investigations into different markets and consumption profiles are crucial for as protection of these species, ensuring food access, as well as creating public policies for the sustainability of the activity and encourage the development of related businesses.