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ISSN 2063-5346
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Ethnozoology in Allen, Northern Samar, Philippines

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Blenah O. Perez , Lowen P. Bordeos
» doi: 10.48047/ecb/2023.12.si7.424

Abstract

The traditional useful animals and their significant uses, taxonomic classification of the identified animal species the customs, beliefs and practices of the people of Allen that involves the use of animals are included. The medicinal animal species are also indicated together with its ailment and the methods of preparation.The researcher assigned in four (4) selected barangays of Allen, Northern Samar and stay in one to two days to gather the information of the elderly villager’s age fifty (50) years old below and fifty (50) years old above. The data are obtained through interviews and direct observation. The collected specimens preserved in 10% formalin solution and photos are taken for large specimens. The researcher found out that there were twenty eight (28) species of terrestrial animals that are significantly useful to the people of Allen in terms of food, medicine and economic value. Specifically, these animals were: Dog (Canis familiaris), Wild Pig (Sus scrofa), Brahminny Kite Hawk (Haliastur Indus), Cattle (Bos indicus), Malayan Freshwater Turtle (Cuora amboinensis daudin), Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus), House Lizard Hemidactylus Frenatus), Deer (Muschos moschiferous), Goose (Anser anser domesticus), Wild Cat (Felis Silvestris), Woodland Frog (Rana magna stejneger), Monitor Lizard (Varanus albiguralis), Brown Basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus), Horse (Equus caballus), Bat (Pteropus vampyrus), Goat (Capra degugrus), Carabao (Bubalus bubalis), Domesticated Cat (Felis catus domestica), Chicken (Gallus gallus), Visayan Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis rabori), Turkey (Meleagris Galopavo), Duck (Anas platyrhynchos), Pigeon (Colombo livia), Boa Snake (Python Reticulatus), White Crane (Anthropoides paradise), Wild Duck (Anas luzonica), Zebra Pigeon (Geopelia striata) and Monkey (Macaca philippinensis). There were 7 species of terrestrial animals that are considered has a medicinal value. These animals were: Boa Snake (Python Reticulatus), Carabao (Bubalus bubalis), Chicken (Gallus gallus), Deer (Muschos moschiferous), Dog (Canis familiaris), House Lizard (Hemidactylus frenatus), and Monitor Lizard (Varanus Albigularis). The relation exists between the fauna and the culture of the people of Allen as evidenced by the number of animals identified to be directly related to the people’s socio-cultural belief and practices. The people of Allen still believe on the healing of “Albolaryo” that every sickness can be cured by his/her “Orasyon” and rituals they use animals for the ailment and as an offering to the spirit. Every animal that were used in ailments has a method of preparation before and after it applied. The people of Allen permanently adapted the custom, belief and practices especially to the people who lived in the interior barangays, because they believed that if they will not follow these, their lives will surely be affected negatively.

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