Firewood knowledge, use and selection by rural populations in the Dry Chaco of Sierra de Ancasti, Catamarca, Argentina.

JIMÉNEZ ESCOBAR, N.D.; MARTÍNEZ, GUSTAVO J.

Ethnobiology and Conservation

BioMed Central

Año: 2018 p. 1 - 18

2238-4782

The extraction and consumption of firewood involve practices requiring in-depth knowledge and analysis in the cultural context in which they take place. Through open and semi-structured interviews, guided walks, participant observation, re-call, the appropriation, use and selection of wood energy resources was established. At present the rural inhabitants of Sierra de Ancasti (Catamarca) know, use and take possession of fuelwood resources to meet needs related to heating and preparation of food in their homes. We identified 52 species (corresponding to 42 genus, 23 families) associated with the domestic use of fire. For cooking and food preparation, 42 species are currently used (81%): 23 in heating (44%) and 16 in fire ignition and production (31%). According to the analysis of frequency of mention and the Cognitive Salience Index, the most important and preferred species among the inhabitants are Acacia caven, Condalia spp. and Lithraea molleoides. Firewood quality, accessibility and distance in its collection are determining factors in the selection of the species. It should be noted that the species richness, its domestic use, the plasticity of inhabitants in its collection and the use of adventitious or exotic species would be reducing the pressure of use generated on the native species and, in general, on Dry Chaco?s forest.