Capivaras em áreas antroponizadas de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais: percepção da sociedade

Abstract

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest rodent in the world, and has a wide geographic distribution within Brazil. The occurrence of capybara in anthropic areas established a new categorization for this species, as a troublesome population. However, the decisions of the public power on how to deal with capybaras are invariably controversial, generating conflicts in society and making official actions extremely difficult. For this reason, the present study evaluated the perception of society on capybaras and related problems in the city of Uberlândia-MG. The methodology used was a qualitative, because it is a descriptive study. As methodological instruments for data collection, the focus group and the semi-structured individual interview were used in which one seeks the understanding of the object according to his perspective. We used the conceptual approach of Knowledge (C), Attitudes (A) and Practices (P) of the interviewees, the so-called KAP studies, which investigate human behavior in relation to a specific topic. It was observed in our survey that the capybaras are a strong reality in Uberlândia, but that they affect the citizens in dissimilar form. At one extreme are those most disinterested due to reduced or lack of experience, and, on the other hand, those with greater involvement given by the contact and experiences. It was noticed that, despite differences among individuals and groups, prevailing perceptions exposed in this work are the result of a mixture of information from television, other media and third parties. All these were associated to capybara anthropomorphism and emotions induced by a charismatic animal whose view generates well-being and the feeling of closeness to nature. Knowledge, although more precise and technical in the case of the public power, and groups of technicians under training in University, was predominantly vague and/or fragmented, in some cases conflicting. The problems with capybaras are multifaceted, fundamentally ecological and complex and do not admit of quick solutions. Sticking to reality is an essential step for solutions with wildlife. In this context, hiding or minimizing the inherent characteristics of wildlife from society, especially its implacability and balance mechanisms of its own, creates a perverse situation. To ameliorate this reality is to subtract from society key elements for rational and effective decision making as well as the notion of the liens and bonuses of each choice. The absence of this real perception in the citizens certainly arouses dissatisfaction and civil disobedience regardless of decisions taken.