Use, extraction rates and spatial availability of plant resources in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico: The case of Santiago Quiotepec, Oaxaca

Ethnobotanical and ecological studies were conducted in the village of Santiago Quiotepec, in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, in order to analyse the importance of plant resources in peasant subsistence, and the balance between extraction rates and spatial availability of the main plant resources. Maize agriculture is the principal economic activity of local people but annual production (approximately 45 tons) was insufficient to satisfy the local demand (nearly 75 tons). People import most of their food, but complement their economy by commercialization of fruit produced in homegardens and plantations and gathering of plant products from the forests. A total of 252 useful plant species was recorded, most of them used as fodder (169), medicine (88), food (74), and fuel wood (70). High quantities of plant products were gathered from forests and disturbed vegetation per year. For instance, nearly 800 kg of the traditional greens and 550 kg of cactus fruits were consumed and about 464 tons of fuel wood was extracted for cooking in the whole village yearly. In general, extraction rates of plant resources for household subsistence were low in relation to their spatial availability, and apparently do not endanger useful plants populations. However, if commercialized, the extraction of fuel wood and other resources may lead to local extinction of populations. Local practices for conservation are discussed.