Resumen

MONROY-VILCHIS, Octavio et al. Traditional use of wild vertebrates in Sierra Nanchititla, Mexico.. INCI [online]. 2008, vol.33, n.4, pp.308-313. ISSN 0378-1844.

The native inhabitants of Mexico have been known to have a traditional knowledge about the flora and fauna species in their habitat, and about their utilization. In this study, the traditional use of wild vertebrates by the inhabitants of he 13 communities of largest influence in the Sierra Nanchititla Natural Reserve (SNNR) was documented, their availability as a resource in the area was examined, and the correlation between the two variables analyzed. Quantitative and qualitative techniques were applied to show the degree of resource utilization, considering population estimates for the species in the region, and the usage knowledge of vertebrates was documented through structured interviews. The relative abundance of the group with the highest frequency of use (mammals) was evaluated by excreta counts and use of traps. Use value indexes were calculated for vertebrate species and family. All informers (117) but one did benefit from some of the 33 species used in the region. The most frequent uses are meant to cover food and curative needs. The group with the highest use is that of mammals, the rabbit (Sylvilagus floridans) being the most used. Local inhabitants use with higher frequency the ten most abundant species in the region. The results provide information that will help in conservation strategies for the SNNR natural resources.

Palabras clave : Aves; Estado de México; Etnobiología; Mamíferos; Reptiles.