Hunting, Butchering and Consumption of Rheidae in the south of South America: An Actualistic Study

Abstract

Ethnographic studies and ethnohistoric literature from the south of South America showed strong interest in Rheas (Rhea americana and Rhea pennata)consumption. The Chronicles from numerous explorers of the nineteenth century mention different aspects of the exploitation of these birds by Native American People from South America, as well as by rural populations from the Pampa and Patagonia regions at the beginning of twentieth century. In this chapter we show the traditional techniques of hunting, butchering and consumption of these birds.The information belongs to direct observations and interviews to ranchers from rural areas of southern Mendoza, Argentina.