Abstract

NAVARRO LOPEZ, Jaime A; GALEANO, Gloria  and  BERNAL, Rodrigo. Management of the chonta palm (Iriartea deltoidea Ruiz & Pav.) in the Amazon foothills of Colombia, perspectives for sustainable harvesting. Colomb. for. [online]. 2014, vol.17, n.1, pp.5-24. ISSN 0120-0739.

The wood of the palm Iriartea deltoidea is an excellent material used for building, furniture and handicrafts in the Colombian Amazon, especially in the Amazon foothills where a small industry has developed around this species. We report the management practices, uses and commercial trends of this species in the municipality of Mocoa (Putumayo). We present data on population structure at three contrasting sites. The estimated demand of stems is ca. 750 per year, and the area necessary to supply them is 17-83 ha. Harvesting is carried out in natural forests or in pastures. The management practices are selective logging, sowing of seedlings and sparing of palms in pastures. Taking into account the natural condition of Mocoa, the abundance of the species, its growth rate and the current extraction system, productivity could grow if the followings activities were performed: enrichment of secondary forests, re-population of eroded areas, reduction of deforestation, and establishment of minimal harvest sizes based on height rather than diameter.

Keywords : Arecaceae; handicraft; trade; palm wood; furniture.

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