Quantitative ethnobotany of a restinga forest fragment in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

An ethnobotanical study was carried out in the local fishing community of Arraial do Cabo Municipality, starting with an inventory of a restinga forest remnant adjacent to the community being studied. Using quantitative ethnobotany methodology allied with ecological parameters (frequency, density, dominance and their relative values, importance value index), we sampled 296 individuals and identified 41 species in 26 families and 36 genera. The highest use value (U.V.) was attributed to Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi. Based on these data we interviewed local fishermen regarding useful species. We used structured interviews and quantitative analysis based on informant consensus. The 22 different types of usage mentioned were placed in five categories: food, medicine, technology, construction and firewood. Selective extraction of wood for construction, firewood and boat repair were the most important use values, involving 46% of the species, 57% of the families and 80% of the individuals.