Harvesting Effects and Population Ecology of the Buriti Palm (Mauritia flexuosa L. f., Arecaceae) in the Jalapão Region, Central Brazil1

Harvesting Effects and Population Ecology of Buriti Palm (Mauritia flexuosa L. f., Arecaceae) in the Jalapão Region, Central Brazil. Buriti palm is used for several purposes in Jalapão, Brazil, among which harvesting of young leaves has the greatest potential impact on palm populations. This work aimed to (i) assess buriti palm uses, (ii) identify experimentally the impacts of young-leaf harvesting on growth, survival, and leaf production of individuals, (iii) evaluate density and structure of buriti populations at different distances from a local harvester community, and (iv) quantify the fiber yield of young leaves. We conducted 21 interviews, sampled six buriti palm populations, and monitored 60 buriti individuals to evaluate the impacts of harvesting young leaves. The harvesting practices of artisans did not affect the survival, leaf production, or growth of buriti individuals. The buriti palm is abundant and has a “reverse J” population structure, indicating population regeneration. However, some signs of overexploitation were pointed out by local harvesters and observed in the field; therefore, we recommend management practices that would contribute to sustainability, such as harvesting young leaves from individuals with a large number of mature green leaves, and harvesting young leaves in sites far from the communities.