Ethnoecology, Resource Use, Conservation And Development In A ...

CHAPTER 6: ETHNOECOLOGY
This chapter is the first of three concerned with the core of the research data upon
which this thesis is based, a study of the ethnoecological knowledge of Wapishana
hunters about twelve species of mammals. The first section reports the methods
employed in and findings of a preliminary study of Wapishana ethnozoological
nomenclature, conducted as a necessary prelude to the ethnoecological study. The
next section describes the methods used in collecting ethnoecological data, and
provides some general comments on the data set. Detailed results for each of the
twelve animal species given special consideration are presented in the next section.
Following this, ethnoecological data on crop raiding and use of old farms by non-
domesticated animals is presented. The final section of this chapter gives some
preliminary conclusions, prior to the more detailed evaluation and analysis of the
ethnoecological data set that occupies chapters 7 and 8.
6.1 Wapishana ethnozoological nomenclature and classification
6.1.1 Methods employed
Ethnozoological nomenclature and classification were surveyed to obtain a basic
overview of the classification of the natural world in the Wapishana language The
main aims for this component of the research were initially to acquire a common
language in natural history sufficient to allow me to discuss ethnoecology and other
matters relating to wildlife with Wapishana people. I later attempted to gather
sufficient information to be able to assign tentative identifications to as many as
possible of the Wapishana biological categories arising in the course of research on
ethnoecology and cultural ecology.
Field-based observations allowed the identification of those species observed of
the mammals and birds, the two groups for which high quality visual guides are
available (Emmons and Feer 1997; Eisenberg 1989; Schaunsee and Phelps 1978).
Vertebrates of other groups were documented by the taking of digital photographs
whenever an opportunity to do so arose. To each of which was attached a Wapishana
name, generally at the time of sighting, although I also took advantage of the ability
to view pictures instantly, in order to ask individuals not present at the time of
sighting for corroboration of names. In the case of invertebrates the taxonomic
affinity (usually at the level of order) would be recorded on sight along with the
Wapishana name. In some cases photographs were also taken, particularly in cases
where Wapishana nomenclature distinguished categories at levels finer than those of
the phylogenetic groups to which I was able to assign specimens in the field.