Ethnobiology of the freshwater crab Trichodactylus fluviatilis Latreille, 1828 in the village of Pedra Branca, Santa Teresinha, Bahia

Abstract

This study aimed at recording the local knowledge that the inhabitants of the village of Pedra Branca have about Trichodactylus fluviatilis Latreille, 1828, a freshwater crab. This village is situated at the Serra da Jiboia, in the municipality of Santa Teresinha, Bahia. The data were obtained from January to December 2011 by means of open-ended interviews. A total of 11 women and 8 men were interviewed, whose ages ranged from 12 to 81 years. The research objectives were explained clearly in the beginning of each new interview, asking the residents by their consent in order to record information. Results show that respondents have relevant information about this crab species, such as habitat, classification, and reproduction aspects. This set of ethnobiological knowledge has been transmitted from generations, especially when people went to the local stream where this crab inhabits. They used to go to the Old Eugenia stream for several reasons: fishing, bathing, washing clothes, fetching water or fun. The crab is perceived and classified as a type of “fish” or sometimes as an “insect”, and people characterize it according to different morphological criteria, such as color, size, sexual dimorphism, and heterochely. The reproductive period was cited as being in summer time or “water time” (because it is a rainy summer). Crabs used to be used as a food resource, but actually they are rarely caught. There is a record of such animals being used as a local remedy for asthma. Residents of the village of Pedra Branca are aware of the human impacts in the Serra da Jiboia and the consequences for nature. The interviewees were all very concerned about reducing the amount of water in local streams and the reduction of biodiversity. They have suggested various activities to be undertaken as a way to repair these antropogenic actions.