Common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis Linnaeus, 1758): food and medicine for people in the Amazon

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine

Pierre de Aguiar Azevedo¹  Flávio Bezerra Barros² 

[1] Faculdade de Ciências Sociais. Universidade Federal do Pará, Instituto de Filosofia e Ciências Humanas, Avenida Augusto Corrêa, N° 1, Cidade Universitária “José da Silveira Netto”, Guamá, CEP, 66075–110, Belém, Pará, Brazil;Programas de Pós-Gradução em Agriculturas Amazônicas (PPGAA) e Antropologia (PPGA), Universidade Federal do Pará. Avenida Augusto Corrêa, N° 1, Cidade Universitária “José da Silveira Netto”, Guamá, CEP, 66075–110, Belém, Pará, Brazil

关键词: Amazon rainforest;    Hunting;    Traditional Medicine;    Didelphis marsupialis;    Ethnozoology;   

Others  :  1146162
DOI  :  10.1186/1746-4269-10-65

 received in 2014-06-02, accepted in 2014-07-22,  发布年份 2014

【 摘 要 】

Background

In the Amazon rainforest, biodiversity is a significant resource for traditional communities, as it can be used as a relevant source of protein and it has a promising zootherapeutic potential. Studies on knowledge and ways how local peoples use the fauna are still incipient. This paper presents both the knowledge on and food and medicinal uses of common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) by riverine communities in an Amazon floodplain region.

Methods

The study was conducted with riverine communities in the municipality of Abaetetuba, Pará, Brazil. The main methods used were structured and semi-structured interviews, the “snowball” technique, and participant observation.

Results

The study showed that D. marsupialis has an undeniable cultural significance for the local community, both in terms of food and medicine. Its meat is prized by inhabitants as it is classified as tasty, soft and, in some cases, it is designated as the best bushmeat in the region. The interviewees have demonstrated a thorough knowledge on various aspects of the animal’s biology, such as its diet, behavior, and places of occurrence. The hunting activity is practiced by men, but the preparation of meat and medicinal oil are tasks mainly performed by women. In medical terms, common opossum is used in the treatment of various diseases, such as rheumatism, asthma, sore throat, and inflammation. Given the importance of this species, its meat or live individuals are often sold in the city fair at prices that can reach R$ 40.00 (U$D 18,00) per individual.

Conclusions

D. marsupialis is an important source of protein for riverine communities in the region studied. Its fat is used as a traditional medicine and it is indicated for many types of diseases. Although the species concerned is treated with hostility in various Brazilian regions, in the case of Abaetetuba this animal is strongly prized due to the good quality of its meat. However, despite the value assigned to the species, its consumption should be the subject of further studies, as this marsupial species has been described as a reservoir for parasites that cause severe diseases.

【 授权许可】

   
2014 Barros and de Aguiar Azevedo; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

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