Etnobotânica e extrativismo de Stryphnodendron coriaceum Benth. na Floresta Nacional do Araripe, Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract

Tropical forests are known to hold a high diversity of species and considering the universe of resources offered there is a growing increase in the extraction of non-timber forest products which plays a fundamental importance in the livelihood of thousands of people around the world. Among the many products available for exploration, we can highlight the stem bark of certain medicinal plants used as a resource for local communities. However, the great exploration of these resources can seriously affect plant populations, affecting the population structures. Accordingly, the present study aims (1) to comprehend how occurs the exploitation of the stem bark of “barbatimão” (Stryphnodendron coriaceum Benth.) by a local community around the Araripe National Forest (FLONA-Araripe) in the state of Ceará and (2) to describe patterns of use and knowledge of “barbatimão” by the local community. In relation to the knowledge and use of S. coriaceum Benth, 120 respondents indicated knowing and making use of the plant. This knowledge can possibly indicate the strong pressure in populations of S. coriaceum. The study of population structure was conducted in two areas of the National Forest, one inside the forest (A1) and another near the forest edge (A2). In the first study area, 39 individuals were recorded live, while in A2 23 were recorded live. In the analysis of levels of damage, eight individuals which were killed by the extraction of the stem bark were added in A1. Considering all 47 individuals found in the first area, 10 individuals (25,49%) showed any signs of extractivism. No individual from A2 showed signal of extraction. The highest collect incidence occurred in individuals of diameter classes 2 and 3, increasing the proportion of trees collected as the diameter increases. In area 1, the total area of bark removed was 55.760 cm2 and the total area of 2121.42 cm2 was available. In the second area, considering the absence of individuals collected, only available bark area was observed with 44.666 cm2. It is concluded that the “barbatimão” is a resource widely used by the Cacimbas community, represented by the shared knowledge among the informants. Populations of S. coriaceum are unbalance suggesting that this fact can be explained by the extraction of the stem bark, which can be present in the population structure of the species. The collection of the stem bark deserves care regarding the practices of communities.