Conservation Priorities for Woody Species Used by a Quilombo Community on the Coast of Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Traditional communities, such as quilombos, often make use of a variety of plant resources. This study aims to describe and classify the state of conservation of woody species of surviving forest remnants used by the quilombo community of Ipiranga, on the Southern coast of Paraíba state in northeastern Brazil. Data on plant use were obtained through semi-structured interviews using the snowball sampling method. Plant availability in nature was determined through a phytosociological survey. Species were grouped into categories by use and their use value (UV), conservation priority index (CPI), and phytosociological parameters were calculated. A total of 64 species (27 families, 44 genera) were cited as useful. The informants attributed 48 types of uses to the plants, with the technology category being the richest. Many of the uses involve extracting the trunk, used mainly to make support stakes for yam plantations and handicrafts. Based on their CPI scores, 16 species fell into category 1 (high priority for conservation), 41 fell into category 2 (intermediary priority for conservation), and seven fell into category 3 (species suitable for extraction with few restrictions). Plants with the highest CPI scores are those with the greatest use value and lowest density in the forest inventory. Most of the plants used need a plan of management considering means of extraction and the frequency with which they are collected. Initial conservation efforts should focus on Handroanthus impetiginosus (pau d'arco) and Bowdichia virgilioides (sucupira), as these have the highest CPI ranking, low density, and uses primarily related to the extraction of bast fibers and wood.