Community Perspectives on Using Hunted Animals as Zootherapeutics in a Traditional Community of the Brazilian Amazon

Our research in the Paranã da Floresta community in the far western Amazon found that 89.36% of interviewees use animals for medicinal purposes, with some hunting specifically for this reason. This practice not only puts pressure on local wildlife but also causes declines in certain species populations. The use of animals for medicine highlights the complex relationship between human communities and wildlife, emphasizing the need to balance biodiversity conservation with respect for local cultural traditions. Since traditional medicinal practices harm biodiversity, promoting conservation strategies that protect the Amazon’s natural resources and support local community well-being is essential. Sustainable approaches that combine environmental education with scientific research on the medicinal qualities of animals can help integrate traditional knowledge with wildlife conservation.