Ethnozoology in Brazil: current status and perspectives

Area of Science:

• Ethnozoology
• Human-Animal Interactions
• Cultural Anthropology

Background:

• Ethnozoology explores ancient human-animal connections across global cultures.
• Research in this field historically emerged from zoology, ecology, sociology, and anthropology.
• Brazil's rich biodiversity and cultural diversity offer a unique context for ethnozoological studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a historical overview of ethnozoological research in Brazil.
• To analyze the evolution, current tendencies, and future perspectives of the discipline in Brazil.
• To identify areas for methodological and qualitative improvement in Brazilian ethnozoology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and historical analysis of ethnozoological research in Brazil.
• Examination of research trends, including quantitative growth and qualitative aspects.
• Identification of available methodologies and theories from various disciplines.

Main Results:

• Ethnozoology in Brazil has advanced significantly in recent years, showing substantial quantitative growth.
• Qualitative aspects require improvement, particularly in methodological rigor, taxonomic accuracy, and quantitative techniques.
• Brazil's diverse fauna and cultural heritage provide a rich foundation for ethnozoological inquiry.

Conclusions:

• Continued quantitative growth in Brazilian ethnozoology is evident, but qualitative enhancements are crucial.
• Integrating diverse methodologies and theoretical frameworks can address current research challenges.
• Strategic planning is needed to foster both quantitative expansion and qualitative advancement in the field.