 Kaplan concludes that, in Oaxaca, the belief in "naguals" as evil, shape shifting witches is common in both indigenous and Mestizo populations.According to Kaplan, the belief in animal spirit companions is exclusively indigenous.This is certain for some groups and communities, but for others, such as the Mixes, Chinantecos, Triquis, or Tacuates, those who can control their nahual or alterego are protectors of the people, natural resources and culture of the community, highly revered, but also feared.