Ecological and socio-economic factors influencing aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa) resource management in two indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon

Greenhouse gas emissions along a peat swamp forest degradation gradient in the Peruvian Amazon: soil moisture and palm roots effects

“…The other two sites were adjacent to the reserve and are utilized by local villagers for extraction of M. flexuosa fruits, collection of palm weevils (R. palmarum), and timber harvesting. The common, unsustainable practice is to cut down entire palms for fruit and weevil collection (Horn et al 2012). Recurrent harvesting has resulted in a reduced canopy closure at the mD site, which is close to a village founded in 2011.…”

“…The fruits from M. flexuosa palms (locally referred to as BAguaje^) and palm weevils (Rhynchophorus palmarum) that grow inside dead palms are highly demanded products in the regional market and are important sources of vitamins and proteins for rural communities (Pacheco Santos 2005). Even though more sustainable (climbing) techniques exist (Horn et al 2012), fruit harvesting continues to involve cutting down entire palms. The effect of this practice substantially alters the composition and structure of the forest ; however, its impact on long-term peat accumulation remains unstudied.…”

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

“…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).…”

“…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). For example, low densities and the predominance of male over female individuals have been considered a sign of historical Mauritia over-exploitation using non-sustainable destructive practices (Kahn, 1988;Horn et al, 2012;Endress et al, 2013). There is also a current trend to promote industrial production and international distribution.…”

“…There is also a current trend to promote industrial production and international distribution. Apparently, market demand for Mauritia fruits is increasing, at least in some places as for example in Perú, but several handicaps exist for suitable and sustainable production, namely adequate farming techniques, promotion and appropriate distribution channels (Ponce et al, 2000;Delgado et al, 2007;Horn et al, 2012).…”