Use of non-timber forest products from the San Ramón and Sántima precincts of the Quinindé – Esmeraldas cantón

Non-Timber Forest Products

Abstract

Ecuador is recognized for having a great diversity of species of flora and fauna, which provide Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), at the same time they represent a source of cultural, social, and economic benefits for the country's rural communities. This research aimed to evaluate the use of Non-Timber Forest Products in the San Ramón and Sántima enclosures of the Quinindé canton, province of Esmeraldas. 392 semi-structured interviews were applied, which were directed to residents of these communities. The interview had 14 questions and five age groups were taken into account. Tramil use value index and level of significant use were analyzed. 66 species that provide some non-timber product were identified, of which 59 correspond to plant origin and seven to animals. The species with the highest use value were Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, Origanum vulgare L., Mentha spicata L., Eryngium foetidum L., Annona muricata L., Crescentia cujete L. and Bixa orellana L. The categories with the highest use value were food and beverages (59 species), human medicine (42 species), and ornamentals (12 species). The Annona muricata has greater representativeness, evidenced by the level of use greater than 50% of significance, followed by Inga edulis Mart, Origanum vulgare, Mentha spicata, and Eryngium foetidum. Many of these products are used as an alternative to meet the needs of the rural population in the region. The species Tayassu pecari (Link, 1795) was verified in the category of vulnerable.