Percepciones, conocimiento y relaciones entre los Crocodylia y poblaciones humanas en la Vía Parque Isla de Salamanca y su zona de amortiguamiento, Caribe colombiano

The understanding of the interactions between wildlife and human communities is important due to its potential impact on the conservation and human perceptions of key species. During August 2006, semi-structured interviews were carried out in order to evaluate the perceptions, knowledge, and relationships between crocodilians (Caiman crocodilus fuscus and Crocodylus acutus) and human communities in the of the Vía Parque Isla de Salamanca (VIPIS National Park) and its buffer zone located in the Magdalena department, Caribbean region of Colombia. A total of 67 interviews were conducted, demonstrating a broad knowledge about morphology, ecology and distribution within the community. Greater knowledge about the species was found in older people (>40 years old) than younger people (< 30 years old) who also held more negative opinions of crocodilians. According to the data provided by inhabitants and fisherman in the area, it can be concluded that these species continue to be harvested, both directly (hunting) and indirectly (by-catch). In addition, conflict was reported, resulting from the competition for resources (fish and domestic fauna) and space. Most interviewees discussed the importance of these species from an economic perspective, while few recognized their ecological role.