The Role of Local Knowledge and Traditional Extraction Practices in the Management of Giant Earthworms in Brazil

摘要: The giant earthworm, Rhinodrilus alatus (Righi 1971), has been captured in the southeastern Brazilian Cerrado biome for approximately 80 years and used as bait amateur fishing throughout Brazil. Local knowledge traditional extraction practices are crucial establishment of management strategies species because, although its involves conflicts social environmental impacts, is one major sources income 3,000 people, especially members an Afro-descendant community that 2,000 inhabitants. Participatory tools, such seasonal calendar, transect walks participatory maps, were individually or collectively with extractors traders (former extractors), 129 semi-structured unstructured interviews conducted same individuals between 2005 2012. capture was observed different seasons areas occurrence 17 municipalities, where this earthworm only extracted trade. All information obtained verified by meetings. have extensive life history, behavior, distribution, possible impacts climate change on species. Different techniques, which during dry rainy passed through generations. contributed to agreements use techniques less impact, expansion scientific reassessment conservation status alatus. present study may serve example projects other regions Brazil countries.