Bridges and Snakes: An Extensionist Experience Related to Ethnoherpetology

Ophidic accidents constitute an important health issue in the province of Córdoba, Argentina, mainly in small rural communities. Among the causes of these accidents, we can mention the lack of information about prevention measures and on the identification of species of sanitary importance; in addit...

Descripción completa

Guardado en:
Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Tortoni, Gisella, Battistón, L., Ibarra, C.M., Morais, I.P., Ragüex, R., Isa, R.I., Arias Toledo, B.
Formato: Artículo revista
Lenguaje:Español
Publicado: Secretaría de Extensión Universitaria 2019
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://revistas.unc.edu.ar/index.php/ext/article/view/27223
Aporte de:
Descripción
Sumario:Ophidic accidents constitute an important health issue in the province of Córdoba, Argentina, mainly in small rural communities. Among the causes of these accidents, we can mention the lack of information about prevention measures and on the identification of species of sanitary importance; in addition, these two causes prevail among the population segments where the impact of accidental snakebites is really high. Floods and fires are also relevant causes, whose frequencies may be affected by anthropic matters related to the change in soil use. In this context, a university outreach project was conducted, supported by Córdoba National University. The objective was to promote a mutual exchange of knowledge, between university members and inhabitants of a town called La Serranita, located in Paravachasca Valley, about ophidians in relation to different socio-environmental issues, such as floods, fires and urbanization processes. Through participatory workshops, talks and recreational interventions, it was possible to enquire about the population’s ethno-knowledge regarding the identification standard of poisonous and non-poisonous snakes, their perceptions and usual courses of action toward them. These activities proved key in the provision of tools for the conservation of ophidians and the prevention of accidents.