Uso doméstico de lenha na Zona da Mata de Pernambuco : associando dados ecológicos e etnobiológicos para indicação das espécies mais suscetíveis ao impacto de extração

Abstract

Among natural resources, firewood has been widely used by several families, mainly in rural areas of developing countries. The collection of firewood is one of the activities with the greatest potential for forest degradation, causing great pressure on biodiversity. Given this scenario, ethnobotanical studies seek to understand the relationship of human populations with the use of resources, including firewood. The wood harvesting for fuel is influenced by the availability of this resource in the environment and by the quality of the firewood. Another factor that can directly influence human relations with the resource is the perception of the population about the resource used. Thus, this study aims to understand the relationship between susceptibility of species to the collection and availability of these species in a fragment of Atlantic Forest, as well as if this susceptibility is related to the firewood use. The extraction impact value (EIV) index came as an important instrument that identifies the most vulnerable species to firewood (over)harvesting. This index is based on the collectors' perception and knowledge about characteristics that would make the species more vulnerable to the collection impact. For the EIV calculation we use parameters such as informants perception about species status in the fragment, perception about wood quality and informations about general uses of plants. Based on the above, this research aims to identify the most vulnerable species to firewood harvesting in an Atlantic Forest fragment near Limeirinha comunity in Nazaré da Mata, Pernambuco (Brazil NE). For those, an ethnobotanical survey of the community was undertaken to identify the species reported as known for fuelwood, the plants used in the homes, and the plants preferred as firewood. Afterwards, we conduct a second data colletion to set the EIV. For the ecological data we did 50 plots (20 x 10 m) in the fragment. We found a significant relation between EIV values and phytosociological parameters (p<0,05). There is no significant relation between the EIV values and the use frequency. In this population the species on the forest remnat is conducting firewood harvesting, though firewood quality could influency on the species choice. It is promissing, on consevation terms, that the most useful species are not the most impact by the firewood harvesting. Although the species indicated in this studyare abundant in the collection sites, they must be considered in local conservation strategies.