Evidência de sinurbização do sariguê (Didelphis) no ecossistema urbano de Feira de Santana (BA): ocorrência e interação com os seres humanos

Abstract

The cities have become rich sites in different life forms, harboring a biodiversity hardly noticeable by people. The phenomenon of adaptation of wild animal populations colonizing the urban environment is named sinurbization. The sinurbization process is evident in the case of possums (Didelphis). These animals adapt easily to urban field and can be seen in the streets or on trees. This work aimed to highlight the phenomenon of sinurbization related to Didelphis, its occurrences and relations with people, in urban ecosystem of Feira de Santana (BA). The research was eminently qualitative being the relevant data analysed by means of quantification parsimonious represented only by descriptive statistics, graphic depictions and tables. Sampling was performed by non-probabilistic method, in part by resorting to the accidental sample type. 50 interviews were conducted, 32 semi-structure and 18 visually stimulated (it was displayed a photographic kit contains 10 photos for visual stimuli) with people living in the urban area of the city for more than three years. The road maps of interviews involved questions related to: geographical distribution and frequency of observation of animals, aspects of general biology, attitudes and beliefs of people front the possums. Were also conducted photographic records of traces found and direct sightings of animals, as well as a visual ethnography. Data were analyzed and systematized from the union model of multiple skills. Of the 41 existing neighborhoods in urban area, were verified occurrences of Didelphis in 23. In relation to the feelings of the participants, predominated the biophobia (46%), what was also demonstrated in the aggressive attitudes (56%) of respondents. The beliefs about the possums in the locality showed up to be discreet. The residents also showed knowledge about the morphology, reproduction, ethology and chronobiology of Didelphis. The use of possums in folk medicine was also cited by respondents. On the aspects of the diet of these animals, the category "birds" was the most cited by respondents. A visual ethnography demonstrated the fact that people feed on possums. On this basis, it is possible to say that a process of sinurbization of the possum (Didelphis) in the urban environment of Feira de Santana is doable and urban dwellers of this town have knowledge about the animal which largely corresponds to the scientific literature.