Raphael Teles Borges
Brazil’s herpetofauna, encompassing a rich diversity of reptiles and amphibians characteristic of the Tropical Savanna, plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and holds economic and social significance in various regions. However, the lack of public awareness about these species has led to negative consequences, such as indiscriminate persecution and an increase in snakebite incidents, particularly in urban areas of the Cerrado. To address these challenges, this project will be carried out in the cities of Uberlândia and Ituiutaba, in Minas Gerais, covering urban areas as well as rural settings.
The project aims to enhance understanding of the local herpetofauna and raise public awareness of the ecological importance of snakes while providing guidance on appropriate actions in encounters with these animals. A survey of snake diversity will be conducted in Cerrado fragments located on the experimental farms, employing both active and passive sampling methods. The resulting data will be used to create a comprehensive species list, complemented by previously published records. Simultaneously, questionnaires will be distributed in urban and rural areas to assess the public’s existing knowledge of snakes and snakebite incidents, identifying gaps and misconceptions.
Based on the findings, the project will develop educational initiatives, such as lectures and workshops, focusing on the ecology and significance of herpetofauna, snakebite prevention, and appropriate responses in risky situations. These activities aim to foster greater recognition and conservation of the region’s herpetofauna, encouraging positive changes in societal attitudes and promoting a more harmonious and safer coexistence between humans and these animals.