Percepción y conocimiento cultural de los Búhos: Análisis del cantón de Machala.

Abstract

Abstract:Ethnoornithology has explored the different relationships between birds and societies. The most representative studies in Ecuador, have focused on documenting owls, specifically their biology with little contribution to cultural knowledge. This study explores and documents the general, cultural knowledge, perceptions and attitudes that the inhabitants of the Machala canton have towards owls, as well as seeks to evaluate which demographic factors are related to these aspects. Through a survey applied to 387 inhabitants, the results indicate that respondents have a high general knowledge about owls in terms of habitat, food, etc. Cultural knowledge suggests that there are several common names with which these birds are known, as well as some mostly negative stories. In addition, a neutral perception was observed because they consider these birds as simple birds showing a tendency towards their protection and conservation. Finally, attitudes reveal that when seeing or hearing owls, most feel curiosity . The data presented are relevant for the implementation of environmental education campaigns that help in the conservation of owls.