Mastozoological study of the Chichinautzin biological corridor (COBIO), Morelos, Mexico

This research was conducted with the purpose of obtaining information on the traditional knowledge of the use of wild mammals by the inhabitants of COBIO. The methodology consisted of ethnobiological techniques and participative planning. A total of 120 interviews were applied, and seven orders, 12 families, and 18 mammal species were reported. Local experts assigned six categories of use to the species: 61% as food, 44.4% as ornamental, 16.6% as pets, and 11.1% as for handcraft and mystical-religious purposes. Sixteen percent of species are traded as pets or in butcheries in local markets. Based on reported frequencies, the most important species for local communities are the white tail deer (Odocoileus virginianus), armadillo (Dayspus novemcinctus), and wild rabbit (Sylvilagus cunicularius). Eleven species of mammals are edible, indicating that they are an important protein resource for the COBIO people. Half of the species were included in more than one category of use, being denominated multiple use species; an example is the white tail deer. Some species (61.1%) were reported as harmful for crops and domestic animals, including the coati (Nasua narica), raccoon (Procyon lotor), coyote (Canis latrans), and cacomixtle (Bassariscus astutus). We propose habitat recuperation for mastofauna, such as breeding sites for white tail deer. Finally, we discuss the importance of mammals to promote activities that allow community development, such as ecotourism, which gives an aggregate value to the natural and cultural resources of the region.