Ofidiofauna on a University campus: Research and educational actions for conservation

Abstract

The Atlantic Forest is home to about 190 species of snakes and, due to the advance of urbanization, the encounter between snakes and humans becomes common, evidencing the importance of educational actions. Whereas, despite the important role played by snakes in nature, they are still much feared by the population due to the various misconceptions that are propagated. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the richness, abundance and distribution of the ofidiofauna found on the campus Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE) and the realization of educational actions with the academic community. Data were collected from June 2015 to July 2018 through occasional meetings and through social networks. As educational actions, interactive exhibitions were held in the departments of UFRPE, in order to highlight the importance and demystify beliefs in relation to these animals. Altogether, 110 specimens were recorded distributed in 21 species (including the rescue of 12 individuals within the UFRPE buildings). The present work was the pioneer in conducting an inventory using social networks, counting on the effective participation of the academic community simultaneously. to educational actions - these had the participation of 1580 people. We emphasize the importance of conducting continuous interventions which should be considered as part of conservation strategies for snakes inhabiting UFRPE, since the campus is located around Protected Areas.