Cross-scale analysis of diversification processes in fuelwood use in three contrasting ecoregions of Argentina (Chaco, Pampa and Patagonia): the role of exotic species in subsistence

JIMÉNEZ-ESCOBAR, N. DAVID; BELÉN DOUMECQ, MARÍA; MORALES, DANIELA; LADIO, ANA

Ethnobiology and Conservation

Ethnobiology and Conservation

Lugar: Recife; Año: 2021 vol. 10

Fuelwood is an essential source of energy for rural populations in many ecosystems. However, littleresearch has addressed the role of exotic species in relation to the use of native woody plants for fuel.This study was performed in rural communities of three ecoregions of Argentina (the phytogeographicalprovinces of Chaco, Pampa and Patagonia). Basing our study on the diversification hypothesis, weevaluated whether the exotic species used alongside native plants vary in each region. We also studieddiversification in relation to gathering environments and use strategies. Open and semi-structuredinterviews were conducted in 72 households, focusing on the total richness of fuelwood used and its usepressure. We used the ratio between exotic and native richness as an indirect measure of diversification.Data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. A total of 78 species was recorded, of which 51were native and 27 exotic. Gathering is the most common supply strategy in all the ecoregions studied,fuelwood being obtained mainly in sites with little human intervention. A generalized linear modelshowed that the use of native versus exotic species varied according to the ecoregion and the level ofhuman intervention in the supply area, while acquisition strategies were similar for both native andexotic species in all ecoregions. The areas with most human intervention were always used to gatherexotic plants. In line with our hypothesis, UWPF diversification with exotic species varied accordingto ecoregion. Intrinsic characteristics associated with the history of each region possibly explain thefindings.