IDEAUS - CENPAT   25626
INSTITUTO DE DIVERSIDAD Y EVOLUCION AUSTRAL
Unidad Ejecutora - UE
capítulos de libros
Título:
The relationship between people and lizards in Patagonia
Autor/es:
BORETTO, J. M; AIGO, J. C; CABEZAS CARTES F; LADIO ANA; IBARGÜENGOYTÍA NR
Libro:
Lizards of Patagonia: Diversity, Systematics, Biogeography and Biology of the Reptiles at the End of the World
Editorial:
Springer International Publishing AG
Referencias:
Lugar: Cham, Suiza; Año: 2020; p. 25 - 40
Resumen:
Understanding how human beings perceive and interact with the local herpetofauna is fundamental for its conservation. In this chapter, we propose looking forward to the LEK (local ecological knowledge) of the Patagonian lizards, especially the "matuasto". The preliminary analysis of ethnohistorical sources points out the relevant role of "matuastos" in the cosmologies of the original peoples from Patagonia, often considered as immortal, selfish and harmful beings. Field reports agree on the warning not to disturb these territorial lizards, otherwise they would react aggressively with bites. The recorded stories account for frequent biting events on sheep. The local perception on "matuastos" as harmful beings would provoke an attitude of caution and rejection towards them. This work provides a preliminary overview on the relationship of lizards and the people from Patagonia while constituting an initial step for future research.