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

Abstract

BackgroundThere 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.MethodsEthnographic 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).ResultsTwenty 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.ConclusionsWe 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.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1746-4269-11-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in women of childbearing age in Africa during 2000–2016: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…A higher gestational weight has also been, in turn, associated with increased risk of weight gain, and a consequent risk of overweight and obesity after pregnancy 17. In Africa, the data on weight gain after pregnancy appear to be even scarcer, although women tend to have more children, compared to those in the developed world and therefore go through multiple pregnancy cycles,18 19 with the associated incremental weight gain after each cycle.…”

Phylogenomics, biogeography, and evolution in the American palm genusBrahea

“…Furthermore, this study is the first to estimate divergence times, ancestral ranges, ancestral growth forms, and ecological niche space for this highly variable, taxonomically complex, and ecologically/economically important (e.g. Pulido and Coronel-Ortega, 2015) group of American palms.…”

Ecological, Cultural, and Geographical Implications of Brahea dulcis (Kunth) Mart. Insights for Sustainable Management in Mexico

“…The palm's leaves, fruits, and apical meristems are the most used parts [21,29,[36][37][38][39][40]. The plant fiber which makes up the leaves is of primary importance in roof thatching and the production of household goods [29,41]. According to Belcher [16], plant fibers are the most important NTFPs, after medicinal and food plants.…”

“…According to Belcher [16], plant fibers are the most important NTFPs, after medicinal and food plants. In Mexico, the Brahea and Sabal species stand out for their value as plant fiber sources [21,28,29,[36][37][38][39][40][41]. Brahea is of primary importance since it is a predominantly Mexican endemic genus, primarily occurring in dry climates and semiarid environments [42].…”

“…Brahea is of primary importance since it is a predominantly Mexican endemic genus, primarily occurring in dry climates and semiarid environments [42]. In this context, Brahea plays an important role as a strategic resource in rural household economies [41]. Prior to this study, several local surveys documented the economical relevance of B. dulcis (Soyate) for rural communities [20,21,37,41,43,44].…”