The Relationship Between People and Lizards in Patagonia

JUANA AIGO; LADIO ANA; BORETTO, J.M.; CABEZAS CARTES, FACUNDO; IBARGÜENGOYTÍA, NORA RUTH

Lizards of Patagonia: Diversity, Systematics, Biogeography and Biology of the Reptiles at the End of the World (Natural and Social Sciences of Patagonia)

Springer

Año: 2020;

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 local ecological knowledge (LEK) 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 people 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 first overview on the relationship of lizards and the people from Patagonia while constituting an initial step for future research.