Unveiling Hidden Knowledge: The Role of Non-English Literature in Ethnozoological Research in the Brazilian Midwest

Abstract

This study assessed the current state of ethnozoological research in Brazil's Central-West region, highlighting how it is often overlooked in scientific literature, particularly in non-English publications, despite the area's significant sociocultural and ecological importance. Searches were carried out following PRISMA guidelines between January and September 2024. The database used was Google Scholar, with the keywords “ethnozoology”, “ethnomastozoology”, “ethno-ornithology”, “ethnoherpetology”, “ethnoentomology”, “ethnoichtyology”, “ethnocarcinology” and “ethnomalacology”. Among the 25 selected scientific works, 227 species from various zoological groups recognized by local populations based on their local uses and perceptions were identified. Overall, we advocate for the need to expand institutional collaboration networks to strengthen ethnozoology as a scientific discipline and broaden understanding of the importance of local fauna for human communities, aiming to foster species conservation and the cultural appreciation of traditional knowledge.