The impacts of human activity on non-timber forest product of murumuru (Astrocaryum ulei) in riverine communities in the Western Amazon

Abstract

The environmental changes caused by human activities have considerably affected non-timber forest production, reducing the density of trees and palms widely employed by local communities to maintain their traditional livelihood conditions. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate non-timber sustainable forest production of a palm tree species (murumuru - Astrocaryum ulei) in riverine communities in the Western Amazon, and how human activity, such as livestock farming and deforestation, affects species production and regrowth in the forest. The forest inventory was realized through systematic sampling along the Juruá River margins, with the recording of height, diameter, number of bunches, and type of environment. The data were analyzed through non-parametric and generalized linear models with an adjustment of the Poisson distribution to predict productive potential. Statistical analyzes were performed using R version 1.0.153 software at a 5 % significance level. The data revealed a positive linear correlation between height and fruit production, and a significant decline in productivity after 18–19 year. Natural regeneration was significantly higher in most preserved environments, such as upland primary (124.5/ha) and late secondary forests (97.4/ha). Late secondary forests (capoeira) also had the highest density of individuals per hectare (120.2) and, consecutively, higher fruit production (1.5 t/ha). Although the most preserved areas had more individuals and a higher productive capacity for murumuru, increased human activities are changing its forest structure, and natural regeneration, which can compromise the long-term sustainable management and local livelihood conditions.