EDUCATIONAL PATHS FOR HUMANS AND JAGUARS TO LIVE IN TOGETHER

ABSTRACT:

This research was carried out in the Caatinga biome (State of Bahia-Brazil) inserted in a training course in Environmental Education for teachers, aiming to better understand the conflicts between humans and jaguars (Panthera onca e Puma concolor), besides to discuss educational paths to overcome them. The data were obtained by questionnaire; interviews with hunters; jaguar´s histories and focus group. It has been shown that the predominant human feeling about jaguars is fear and that there are different motivations for their hunting. However, the difficult life in the Caatinga biome contributes to their being seen by the community as a competitor of natural resources. We indicate a sensitizing and contextualized education applied to local reality that seeks collective solutions to the conflicts.

Keywords:
Caatinga Biome; human-jaguar conflicts; Environmental education