Ethnobotanical Resources Management in the Arribes del Duero Natural Park (Central Western Iberian Peninsula): Relationships between Plant Use and Plant Diversity, Ecological Analysis, and Conservation

Abstract

We analyze the floristic and ecological diversity of plants traditionally used in the Arribes del Duero Natural Park (Central Western Spain, Iberian Peninsula). We identified all plant species used by the local people and classified them in 10 general use-categories. All the ethnobotanical data used derive from global ethnobotanical research carried out from 2005 to 2009. The results are analyzed with respect to the total flora of the area and to the ecological diversity of the species in their habitats. The conservation and management of these taxa are also analyzed. We discuss the implications of their harvesting for the development and conservation of their natural populations and habitats.