Students' attitudes toward and knowledge about snakes in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Humans in various cultures have feared snakes, provoking an aversion and persecution that hinders conservation efforts for these reptiles. Such fact suggests that conservation strategies for snakes should consider the interactions and perceptions of the local population towards these animals. The aim of this study was to investigate students' perception of snakes and if attitudes and knowledge may differ according to gender and local residence (urban or rural).

Methods

Data was collected in the second half of 2012 and consisted of questionnaires applied to 108 students in the Basic Education School in the municipality of Sumé, located in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil.

Results

The male respondents recognized more species than female did. Part of

SUBMITTER: Alves RR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3986856 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature