Abstract

COSSIOS MEZA. Sechuran fox (Pseudalopex sechurae): relationship with people in peru. Ecol. apl. [online]. 2004, vol.3, n.1-2, pp.134-138. ISSN 1726-2216.

Interviews were conducted on 120 rural residents and 71 city dwellers related to the use of the Sechuran fox. The purpose of the interviews were to obtain data regarding the use and attitudes towards the species, as well as to elaborate conservation recommendations. Rural residents pursue this species (68.3%) or view it with indifference (31.70%). In just one particular case (Santa Catalina de Chongoyape, in Lambayeque), residents have recently started protecting the animal for its value in tourist endeavors and for seed dispersal. Rural residents hunt the Sechuran fox because it eats chickens and guinea pigs (95% of those surveyed), as well as vegetables and stored foods (13.3%). Some respondents also noted the suspected (but not proven) role of the Sechuran fox as a predator of goats (10%). The common uses of the Sechuran fox comprise selling the animal as a pet and for the fabrication of witchcraft items (used by shamans), amulets and other crafts. The species is used by shamans to call upon spirits and get stronger prophesy powers (100% of those surveyed), and to treat respiratory and stomach ailments with its fat (15.6%).

Keywords : Sechuran fox; Pseudalopex sechurae; wildlife and men relationships; wildlife use.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )