Harvesting Effects and Population Ecology of the Buriti Palm (Mauritia flexuosa L. f., Arecaceae) in the Jalapão Region, Central Brazil1

Abstract

Harvesting Effects and Population Ecology of Buriti Palm (Mauritia flexuosa L. f., Arecaceae) in the Jalapão Region, Central Brazil. Buriti palm is used for several purposes in Jalapão, Brazil, among which harvesting of young leaves has the greatest potential impact on palm populations. This work aimed to (i) assess buriti palm uses, (ii) identify experimentally the impacts of young-leaf harvesting on growth, survival, and leaf production of individuals, (iii) evaluate density and structure of buriti populations at different distances from a local harvester community, and (iv) quantify the fiber yield of young leaves. We conducted 21 interviews, sampled six buriti palm populations, and monitored 60 buriti individuals to evaluate the impacts of harvesting young leaves. The harvesting practices of artisans did not affect the survival, leaf production, or growth of buriti individuals. The buriti palm is abundant and has a "reverse J" population structure, indicating population regeneration. However, some signs of overexploitation were pointed out by local harvesters and observed in the field; therefore, we recommend management practices that would contribute to sustainability, such as harvesting young leaves from individuals with a large number of mature green leaves, and harvesting young leaves in sites far from the communities.Efeitos do Extrativismo e Ecologia Populacional de Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L. f., Arecaceae) na Região do Jalapão, Tocantins, Brasil. Buriti é usado para inúmeras finalidades no Jalapão, dentre elas, o extravismo de folhas jovens tem o maior potencial de impacto nas populações. Este trabalho teve por objetivos (i) descrever os usos do buriti, (ii) testar impactos do extrativismo de folhas jovens no crescimento, sobrevivência e produção de folhas dos individuos, (iii) caracterizar a densidade e estrutura de populações em veredas a diferentes distâncias da comunidade da Mumbuca, e (iv) quantificar a produção de fibras obtidas das folhas jovens. Fizemos 21 entrevistas com extrativistas, amostramos seis populações de buriti e monitoramos 60 indivíduos para avaliar os impactos do extrativismo. O extrativismo não afetou a sobrevivência, a produção de folhas e nem o crescimento dos indivíduos. As populações de buriti são abundantes e tem estrutura em formato de J invertido, o que facilita a regeneração. Sinais de superexploração foram identificados por artesãos e verificados em campo, por isto, recomendamos algumas práticas de manejo que podem contribuir para a sustentabilidade do extrativismo, como coletar folhas jovens de indivíduos com maior número de folhas maduras e em veredas mais distantes das comunidades.

Mauritia flexuosa palm swamp communities: natural or human-made? A palynological study of the Gran Sabana region (northern South America) within a neotropical context

“…2) and also as a source for fibre to make baskets, fishing nets, curtains, hammocks and a variety of domestic ornaments and handicrafts (Kahn et al, 1993;Heinen et al, 1996;Gragson, 1995;Macía, 2004;Rondón, 2005;Sampaio et al, 2008;Trujillo et al, 2011;Martins et al, 2012). They are also used in hunting rituals (Lewy, 2012).…”

“…The more widespread opinion is that Mauritia flexuosa could provide significant economic gains for local human populations but in situ exploitation of the existing palm swamps, rather than intentional cultivation, is recommended (Kahn et al, 1993;Meerow, 2008;Virapongse et al, 2013). However, to ensure the proper continuity of this type of exploitation, it is indispensable to turn current extraction practices into more sustainable ones (Sampaio et al, 2008;Horn et al, 2012). For example, the widespread practice of palm felling for harvesting fruits should be replaced by the more classical and more sustainable climbing tradition (Holm et al, 2008;Manzi & Coomes, 2009;Endress et al, 2013).…”

Application of Chitosan and Buriti Oil (Mauritia Flexuosa L.) in Skin Wound Healing

“…Based on the high concentration of oleic acid and the presence of carotenoids and vitamin E in the form of α-tocopherol, it helps in the process of tissue repair by the binding to the free radicals produced in the wound. In addition, the high concentration of fatty acids is important in the formation of scar collagen fibres, because it promotes cell proliferation and accelerates the tissue granulation process [64,67,68]. An important substance found in buriti oil is ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is a water soluble vitamin, synthesized by plants and by almost all animals except humans.…”

EFFECTS OF HARVESTING ON LEAF PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF Copernicia prunifera (Mill.) H.E. Moore1

“…Studies have reported that the extraction of mature leaves adult reproductive palms can adversely affect the production of their leaves and the reproductive performance, influencing the number of inflorescences of the plant and its fruits production (ENDRESS et al, 2004). However, there is a lack of information on the consequences of removing immature leaves palms (SAMPAIO et al, 2008). The extraction of immature leaves may have more severe consequences than the extraction of mature leaves in palm trees.…”