Ethnozoological Study of Malay Tribal Communities in Mersam Village, Batanghari District

Mersam Village is located in Mersam District, Batanghari Regency, and has many local wisdoms that are still preserved to this day. The Malay tribe, as the indigenous group, is the primary source of local wisdom in this village. This study aims to identify the species of animals used, describe traditional practices, outline community knowledge, and analyze the reasons why the community continues to maintain these utilization activities. The research method employed is a qualitative descriptive approach, which includes stages of preliminary surveys, interviews, participatory and non-participatory observations, and documentation. The selection of informants used purposive sampling techniques for key informants and snowball sampling techniques for general informants. Documentation and identification of samples were conducted in the field. The results of this study indicate that ethnozoology in Mersam Village utilizes 32 animals species. Ethnozoology in Mersam Village related to consumption utilizes five species, which include customary meanings and unique processing methods. Ethnozoology in Mersam Village in terms of medicine utilizes 17 species, based on hereditary knowledge through treatments provided by shamans. Ethnozoology in Mersam Village as a customary tradition utilizes five species, including practices that are only carried out in Mersam Village and must adhere to customary norms. Ethnozoology in Mersam Village as a sign or symbol utilizes 18 species, which are believed to represent good or bad omens. Additionally, there are 11 customary traditions that utilize animals.