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<p>Scorpions are voracious predators that play crucial roles in maintaining ecological balance within food chains. However, they are also notorious for their venom. Understanding ecological knowledge within local populations helps illuminate the intricate relationship between humans and nature. This study investigates the ecological knowledge and uses of scorpion fauna in three municipalities (Caetés, Cumaru, and Limoeiro) in Pernambuco state, Northeast Brazil—primarily engaged in agricultural activities. We administered a 25-question questionnaire, made available online to adult residents, designed to capture their experiences and perceptions regarding these invertebrates. A total of 121 responses were collected (42 from Caetés, 40 from Limoeiro, and 39 from Cumaru). Results revealed that over 70% of participants had either been victims of scorpion stings or knew someone who had experienced scorpionism. Traditional methods, including substances such as milk, alcohol, ice, and even the scorpion itself, were employed in 33% of cases to treat stings, highlighting gaps in public health education regarding venomous sting management. Respondents classified scorpions within the “insect” ethnocategory and used color to distinguish ethnospecies: yellow, red, and black scorpions. Notably, 88.4% of respondents acknowledged the ecological importance of these creatures, while 79.3% admitted fear of them, yet over 60% recognized their significance for humans. This tension underscores opportunities for community-based conservation programs that integrate local knowledge with public health strategies. The alignment between local perceptions and scientific references suggests potential for integrated approaches to mitigate scorpion-related risks while preserving their ecological roles in agricultural landscapes.</p>

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Traditional ecological knowledge of scorpions in human communities in a Brazilian semiarid region

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月27日

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  • Luiza Eulália de Azevedo Gonzaga,
  • José Rivaldo de Lima,
  • Meykson Alexandre da Silva,
  • Geraldo Jorge Barbosa de Moura,
  • André Felipe de Araujo Lira

摘要

Scorpions are voracious predators that play crucial roles in maintaining ecological balance within food chains. However, they are also notorious for their venom. Understanding ecological knowledge within local populations helps illuminate the intricate relationship between humans and nature. This study investigates the ecological knowledge and uses of scorpion fauna in three municipalities (Caetés, Cumaru, and Limoeiro) in Pernambuco state, Northeast Brazil—primarily engaged in agricultural activities. We administered a 25-question questionnaire, made available online to adult residents, designed to capture their experiences and perceptions regarding these invertebrates. A total of 121 responses were collected (42 from Caetés, 40 from Limoeiro, and 39 from Cumaru). Results revealed that over 70% of participants had either been victims of scorpion stings or knew someone who had experienced scorpionism. Traditional methods, including substances such as milk, alcohol, ice, and even the scorpion itself, were employed in 33% of cases to treat stings, highlighting gaps in public health education regarding venomous sting management. Respondents classified scorpions within the “insect” ethnocategory and used color to distinguish ethnospecies: yellow, red, and black scorpions. Notably, 88.4% of respondents acknowledged the ecological importance of these creatures, while 79.3% admitted fear of them, yet over 60% recognized their significance for humans. This tension underscores opportunities for community-based conservation programs that integrate local knowledge with public health strategies. The alignment between local perceptions and scientific references suggests potential for integrated approaches to mitigate scorpion-related risks while preserving their ecological roles in agricultural landscapes.