PERCEPCIÓN CULTURAL DE LA HERPETOFUANA EN TRES COMUNIDADES RURALES DEL MUNICIPIO DE IRAPUATO, GUANAJUATO, MÉXICO.

The etnoherpetological studies can contribute to knowledge about the diversity of amphibians and reptiles as well as the planning and development of strategies for the management, use and herpetofauna conservation in rural communities from a socio-economic and cultural context. In the present study we analyzed and compared the general knowledge and cultural conception of residents of three communities near the city of Irapuato, Guanajuato on herpetofauna. In this study based on the results of 180 surveys they were recognized 24 species; eight amphibians and 16 reptiles. The people of VAL (Valencianita) and COP (Copal) showed similarity in relation to their knowledge of the species identified, but not so with CUCh (Cuchicuato). Of the 24 species, 12 were considered dangerous by the inhabitants of the three communities: A toad, two lizards and nine snakes. Frogs, turtles and a small snake Indotyphlops braminus “worm” non-considered dangerous. Among the uses and traditions are: a-medicinal, b- culinary, c-pet, and d-cultural significance. The observations in this study highlights the importance of traditional knowledge we have the people of the three communities on amphibians and reptiles, being the group of snakes that reflect a greater cultural significance. Alongside this type of study can be a reference to know the condition of the local herpetofauna as well as changes over time on the cultural perception of human populations in relation to vertebrates such as amphibians and reptiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]