Biodiversity and species use in agroforestry systems managed by traditional communities in the central Amazon

Abstract

Climate change represents today's great environmental challenge, and ecological restoration of tropical forests is one of the main coordinated actions on a global scale as a measure to mitigate its impacts. In this way, agroforestry systems (AFSs) are increasingly recommended as a restoration strategy. This study aimed to analyze the diversity of uses and functions of tree species of AFSs managed by traditional populations in the Uatumã Sustainable Development Reserve, Amazonas, and to evaluate how different production objectives influence biodiversity. A total of 22 AFSs were sampled, totaling 4,006 individuals, belonging to 61 species. Based on the intended purpose of planting within the system, species were classified into five categories: food, medicinal, timber, non-timber forest products, and soil restoration. 120 attributes of use of the species were identified. The composition of AFSs according to use categories was analyzed through hierarchical grouping (UPGMA), resulting in four distinct groups: (i) food; (ii) timber; (iii) non-timber forest products and medicinal use; and (iv) soil restoration. The diversity of these groups was evaluated using the Shannon and Simpson indices, species richness, and Pielou’s evenness. The groups with AFSs whose main uses were for food and timber production showed greater diversity and species richness, while the group focused on soil restoration obtained the lowest values for these indices. Species evenness, on the other hand, did not differ significantly among the groups. The results show that the different use objectives shape the composition and structure of AFSs, directly influencing their contribution to biodiversity.

Keywords: Agrobiodiversity; Traditional ecological knowledge; Management