IMPORTÂNCIA SOCIAL DE PODOCNEMIS EXPANSA, TARTARUGA-DA-AMAZÔNIA, NO RIO JAVAÉS, TOCANTINS, BRASIL.

The quelonians have been used by traditional populations for various areas, including handicrafts, medicinal purposes and food. The present work sought to contribute to the study of traditional communities and their culture regarding the various uses of quatonians and their derivatives, especially the community of the Café da Roça district in the municipality of Pium-TO emphasizing fishing, consumption of meat and eggs and various uses of theAmazon Turtle(Podocnemis expansa). The interview was used with open and closed questions, favoring the interviewees' opinion. It was identified that the residents consume meat and eggs of P. expansa. Turtle lard was cited by residents and was used to fight varicose veins, scars, among others, evidencing the multiple benefits of zootherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]