Perception and use of non-native and invasive flora from Sierras de Córdoba in central Argentina

MANZANO-GARCÍA, JESSICA; MARTÍNEZ, GUSTAVO JAVIER

ACTA BOTANICA BRASILICA

SOC BOTANICA BRASIL

Año: 2019 vol. 33 p. 241 - 253

0102-3306

The perception, knowledge and use of non-native and invasive flora by social actors associated with protected areasin central Argentina were analyzed. Contemporary ethnoecology methods were followed. A total of 108 non-nativespecies of botanical interest was documented. An organization of species is proposed according to their RelativeImportance, and on an attitude scale in relation to conservation/elimination interest. In the case of invasive species,perceptions on ecology, importance and/or control are discussed based on the profiles of the social actors. The resultsshed light upon local points of view and nuances of what ?non-native? and ?invasive? means to the studied ruralpopulation. The use spectrum for some of the non-native species has shed light on adaptation to the cultural use ofspecies based on resource availability, not necessarily associated with preference. Additionally, it should be notedthat local actors perceive non-native and invasive species differently, which should be considered in the developmentof management and conservation guidelines.