Ethnoecology of the palm Brahea dulcis (Kunth) Mart. in central Mexico

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine

Mayte Coronel-Ortega¹  María T Pulido¹ 

[1] Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Laboratorio de Etnobiología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Carretera Pachuca-Tulancingo Km 4.5 s/n, Pachuca, Hidalgo C.P. 42184, México

关键词: Valle del Mezquital;    Sustainable use;    Sierra Madre Oriental;    Reserva de la Biósfera Barranca de Metztitlán;    Population structure;    Non-timber forest product;    Hñä hñü;    Disuse;    Defoliation experiment;    Arid and semi-arid areas;   

Others  :  1133412
DOI  :  10.1186/1746-4269-11-1

 received in 2014-04-23, accepted in 2014-12-14,  发布年份 2015

【 摘 要 】

Background

There have been few studies on the sustainable use of non-timber forest products in arid and semi-arid zones. The palm Brahea dulcis has been one of the most important resources in semi-arid Mesoamerica, since pre-Hispanic times. Currently, some populations grow within protected natural areas, representing both a challenge and an opportunity for local development. This ethnoecological study of B. dulcis in central Mexico aimed to evaluate their uses, harvesting context, and potential for exploitation, in order to give practical advice on their best use and management.

Methods

Ethnographic and ecological information was obtained in Barranca de Metztitlán Biosphere Reserve and Valle del Mezquital, Mexico. We studied the population structure and density; additionally, we evaluated the rate of leaf production, leaf renewal rate, percent survival of new leaves, the development of reproductive structures and performed a one-year defoliation experiment (involving a control and four treatments including a mix of semiannual and annual frequency of harvest and removal of two new leaves and/or two mature leaves).

Results

Twenty uses of the palm were recorded in the study area. Religious/symbolic and handicraft uses are highlighted. The population density of this species was the highest reported for the genus (1244 ± 231.7 ind/ha). The leaf production rate was the highest reported for arborescent palms of the Americas (11.83 ± 0.036 leaves/individual/year). The sexual reproductive cycle was 2.3 years long. A one-year defoliation experiment did not show statistically significant differences. Recommendations include: 1) implement management focused on increasing the abundance and quality of this useful resource in Metztitlán; 2) employ a strategy of focusing on ethnicity and gender in promoting their exploitation; 3) learn from theoretical frameworks of other non timber forest product studies.

Conclusions

We propose that Brahea dulcis is the palm with the highest potential for sustainable use in the arid and semi-arid zones of Mexico. The challenge to improving management includes simplifying the legal protection framework, promoting uses and developing a market strategy. Collaborations to share experiences with peasant farmers from Guerrero is recommended. We further recommend the development of a governmental strategy to enhance and reassess this important resource.

【 授权许可】

   
2015 Pulido and Coronel-Ortega; licensee BioMed Central.

【 图 表 】

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