The effects of fiber extractive from carnaúba, Piauí, Brazil

Abstract

In Piauí coast, the increasing production of handicrafts made from fibers extracted from carnauba has intensified its exploitation, which can cause damage to the palm. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether the fiber extraction in young and immature carnaubas is environmentally viable. It were selected three communities where it was adopted the participant observation method to record the techniques and places of extraction. In each community it was selected an extractive area and another control, in which over a year, 120 palm trees were monitored. These palms were evaluated for intensity of extraction, availability of leaves, growth and survival. It was found that the extraction is perennial and preserves the life of the specie. However, the plant development were negatively affected when the intensity of monthly exploitation was greater than 25%. The data suggest that for the activity to be environmentally viable it is necessary that the monthly extraction should not exceed 25% and that there is a pausing period of the exploited areas.