Birds and fishes in the knowledge of the settlers of the Atuel river coast in La Pampa, Argentina

Abstract

The lower basin of the Atuel river in La Pampa Province is the scene of a drying process that has occurred progressively since the settlement of the first colonist populations in the upper basin, whose definitive interruption of the flow occurred in 1948. Since that year, the settlers of the lower basin suffered severe consequences that impacted their lives and culture such as the interaction with the natural resources of the environment. The fauna constitutes one of the ecosystemic components that participates in the culture of societies and gives it its own nuances.
Through open interviews with riverside residents, the aim of this work was to record the diachronic changes that happened in the settler’s knowledge about the fishes and birds associated with the river. The residents were asked about the common names of fishes and birds in the studies area, as well as about aspects related to the interviewees’ interaction and perception of these components of the ecosystem. Settler’s activities and knowledge were compared with past activities, using historical documentation recorded in the area. The information obtained establishes a current baseline that will facilitates action proposals that could be implemented in local development public policies.