Summer cattle transhumance and edible wild plant gathering in a Mapuche community of NW Patagonia

LADIO, A H; LOZADA, M

HUMAN ECOLOGY

Kluwer Academic

Lugar: New York; Año: 2004 vol. 32 p. 225 - 240

0300-7839

Cattle transhumance has been practiced since old times in Mapuche communities of Northwestern Patagonia. Families used to travel seasonally along the Andean valleys from arid lands towards temperate forests. In this study, we analyzed how this practice affects the richness of wild edible plants utilized by the Mapuche community of Paineo. Patterns of use for those who practice this custom were compared with those who do not, utilizing ecological variables. Gender and age were also evaluated in relation to this practice. The Paineo people collect wild plants in three different gathering sites: the A. araucana forest, the “Travesía”, and their dwelling surroundings. However, those who practice summer-transhumance utilize a higher richness and a greater quantity of wild edible plants than those who do no practice it, about 50 % more plants from the forest. Moreover, the nutritional value of plants collected by transhumants is greater than by non tranhumants. We also found that men practice summer cattle transhumance in a greater proportion than women, consuming significantly more wild edible plants from the forest. In contrast, plants from their dwellings and from the Travesía are used in a similar way by both sexes.  In relation to age, it was observed that the elderly do not participate in the transhumance circuits at present. In conclusion, our results illustrate a prevailing trend on wild plant knowledge change influenced by the transformation of the summer transhumance pattern. In consequence, the Paineo people is abandoning the use of traditional environments which might have a possible impact on the richness of plants known and utilized in the farthest sites.