As in many other developing countries, the state government of Acre, Brazil, is developing a program for compensating forest holders (such as communities of rubber tappers and indigenous peoples as well as small, medium and large private land holders) reducing their emission of atmospheric heat-trapping gases by not deforesting. We describe and then apply to Acre a method for estimating carbon stocks by land cover type. We then compare the results of our simple method, which is based on vegetation mapping and ground-based samples, with other more technically demanding methods based on remote sensing. We estimated total biomass carbon stocks by multiplying the measured above-ground biomass of trees >10 cm DBH in each of 18 forest types and published estimates for non-forest areas, as determined by measurement of 44 plots throughout the state (ranging from 1 to 10 ha each), by land-cover area estimated using a geographical information system. State-wide, we estimated average above-ground biomass in forested areas to be 246 +/- 90 Mg ha(-1); dense forest showed highest (322 +/- 20 Mg ha(-1)) and oligotrophic dwarf forest (campinarana) the lowest biomass (20 +/- 30 Mg ha(-1)). The two most widespread forest types in Acre, open canopy forests dominated by either palms and bamboo (for which ground-based data are scant), support an estimated 246 +/- 44 and 224 +/- 50 Mg ha(-1) of above-ground biomass, respectively. We calculate the total above-ground biomass of the 163,000 km(2) State of Acre to be 3.6 +/- 0.8 Pg (non-forest biomass included). This estimate is very similar to two others generated using much more technologically demanding methods, but all three methods, regardless of sophistication, suffer from lack of field data. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Recent climate talks in Copenhagen reaffirmed the crucial role of reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD). Creating and strengthening indigenous lands and other protected areas represents an effective, practical, and immediate REDD strategy that addresses both biodiversity and climate crises at once.

Protected areas (PAs) now shelter 54% of the remaining forests of the Brazilian Amazon and contain 56% of its forest carbon. However, the role of these PAs in reducing carbon fluxes to the atmosphere from deforestation and their associated costs are still uncertain. To fill this gap, we analyzed the effect of each of 595 Brazilian Amazon PAs on deforestation using a metric that accounts for differences in probability of deforestation in areas of pairwise comparison. We found that the three major categories of PA (indigenous land, strictly protected, and sustainable use) showed an inhibitory effect, on average, between 1997 and 2008. Of 206 PAs created after the year 1999, 115 showed increased effectiveness after their designation as protected. The recent expansion of PAs in the Brazilian Amazon was responsible for 37% of the region's total reduction in deforestation between 2004 and 2006 without provoking leakage. All PAs, if fully implemented, have the potential to avoid 8.0 +/- 2.8 Pg of carbon emissions by 2050. Effectively implementing PAs in zones under high current or future anthropogenic threat offers high payoffs for reducing carbon emissions, and as a result should receive special attention in planning investments for regional conservation. Nevertheless, this strategy demands prompt and predictable resource streams. The Amazon PA network represents a cost of US$147 +/- 53 billion (net present value) for Brazil in terms of forgone profits and investments needed for their consolidation. These costs could be partially compensated by an international climate accord that includes economic incentives for tropical countries that reduce their carbon emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

The dynamics of forests subject to inundation appears to be strongly influenced by the frequency and intensity of natural disturbances such as flooding. In a late successional tidal floodplain forest near the Amazon port of Belém, Brazil, we tested this prediction by measuring seasonal patterns of phenology and litterfall in relation to two key variables: rainfall and tide levels. In addition, we estimated the root biomass and the annual growth of the forest community by measuring stem increments over time. Our results showed high correlations between phenological events (flowering and fruiting) and rainfall and tide levels, while correlations between litterfall and these variations were generally weaker. Contrary to our prediction, root biomass to 1 m depth showed no significant differences along the topographic gradient, and the root biomass at all topographic levels was low to intermediate compared with other neotropical forests. Both litterfall and total stem increment were high compared to other tropical forest, indicating the high productivity of this ecosystem.

Phenology, litterfall, growth, and root biomass in a tidal floodplain forest in the Amazon estuary). The dynamics of forests subject to inundation appears to be strongly influenced by the frequency and intensity of natural disturbances such as flooding. In a late successional tidal floodplain forest near the Amazon port of Belém, Brazil, we tested this prediction by measuring seasonal patterns of phenology and litterfall in relation to two key variables: rainfall and tide levels. In addition, we estimated the root biomass and the annual growth of the forest community by measuring stem increments over time. Our results showed high correlations between phenological events (flowering and fruiting) and rainfall and tide levels, while correlations between litterfall and these variations were generally weaker. Contrary to our prediction, root biomass to 1 m depth showed no significant differences along the topographic gradient, and the root biomass at all topographic levels was low to intermediate compared with other neotropical forests. Both litterfall and total stem increment were high compared to other tropical forest, indicating the high productivity of this ecosystem.

Slight topographic variations appear to exert dramatic effects on the structure of forests subject to inundation. In a late successional tidal floodplain forest near the Amazon port of Belém, Brazil, we examined these effects by studying floristic composition along a topographic gradient. We predicted that, relative to high sites, low sites would be characterized by high representation of life forms and taxa characteristic of inundated sites. We found striking variations in floristic composition along a slight topographic gradient. In comparison with topographically high sites, low sites were characterized by a high representation of Palm trees (Arecaceae), low diversity of trees and lianas, and high plant density. These variations appear to reflect edaphic limitations imposed by periodic flooding. The high spatial variation in floristic composition found in this ecosystem suggest caution in implementing intensive forms of agriculture.

Examines the regeneration of babassu palm trees on deforested land in Amazonian Brazil, how it is being used by the rural populations, and how development policies are undermining this gift. Concludes by critiquing the conventional model of ecology and proposing a new one. Annotation copyright Book

The current interest in non-timber forest products as an economic option for the Brazilian Amazon represents a radical departure from the policies that have guided development in the region during recent decades. Despite this interest, little is currently known about the forms of resource management or economic strategies practiced by populations dependent on such resources. In this study, we measured the annual income and expenditures of ten households on Combu Island, located in the Amazon estuary near the major port city of Belém; in addition, we documented local uses and management of natural resources on the island Average annual income per household was found to be over U.S. $4000, derived primarily from the harvest and sale of non-timber forest products. The results of this study show that the combination of proximity to a major market and appropriate resource management can lead to high and apparently sustainable economic returns.

A new hybrid palm, ×Attabignya minarum, from the Rio São Francisco Valley of Minas Gerais, Brazil is described. It is a natural hybrid betweenAttalea compta Mart. andOrbignya oleifera Burret and is quite common in the area studied. Most of the morphological characters of the hybrid are intermediate between those of the parent species. A notable exception is the number of fruits produced; ×Attabignya minarum produces more fruits per panicle than either parent species. This is the first report of hybridization betweenOrbignya andAttalea and may shed light on the status ofOrbignya, considered by some to be synonymous withAttalea.

There are few assessments of lifetime dry matter production for tropical trees. However, several studies, have been carried out for palms. This study measures dry matter production for Jessenia bataua,a useful palm common in many areas of the Amazon Valley. Palms In the Ducke Forest Reserve Of INPA were studied. Approximately 34% of total aboveground dry matter production in this palm was, alllocated to reproductive effort, eg., the production of in florescences and fruits. The meaning of this percentage, to discussed, relative to percentages identified in other Neotropical palms.

Stands of babassu palms (Orbignya martiana) occupy an area of Brazil estimated at nearly 200,000 km2, concentrated in the states of Maranhão, Piauí and Goiás. Babassu’s cryptogeal germination, establishing the apical meristem of the plant below ground for its early growth and development, enables it to survive human disturbance, making the palm an integral part of shifting cultivation and pastoral farming systems. People obtain a multitude of products from babassu throughout the palm’s life cycle: leaves are used widely for thatch, basketry, and construction; trunks for palmito and bridges; the fruit for feed, oil and, charcoal. As many as 450,000 subsistence-level households rely on the sale of babassu kernels, used in a regional vegetable oil industry, for an important share of their cash incomes. Deforestation pressures and technological innovation toward an industry based on mechanical processing of whole babassu fruit threaten to reduce benefits the palm provides to the region’s rural poor. Understanding how babassu is used by rural families who depend upon it will help to make current efforts at “domesticating” the palm and whole-fruit processing more responsive to human needs.

Apesar de seu potencial na região amazônica, sistemas agroflorestais têm sido estudados principalmente entre grupos indígenas, que são culturalmente afastados da maioria da população atual em zonas rurais. Este estudo descreve um sistema agroflorestal utilizado por uma família de cultura Luso-brasileira. O sistema foi desenvolvido na mata de várzea do estuário amazônico, sujeita a inundações periódicas e prolongadas que dificultam as práticas convencionais de agricultura. Três zonas de maneio na vizinhança da casa são descritas detalhadamente: quintal, floresta manejada, e mata. Juntas essas zonas apoiam ou possibilitam uma grande variedade de atividades, tais como caça; pesca; criação de animais domésticos; e utilização de frutos, palmito, madeira, adubo, plantas ornamentais, fibras, látex, mel, sementes oleaginosas, remédios, utensílios, etc. Além de produtos de subsistência, essas atividades fornecem muitos produtos de mercado que são comercializados em Belém, possibilitando a compra de materiais agrícolas de primeira necessidade. Entre a família estudada, o sistema agroflorestal permitiu a substituição da agricultura convencional pela colheita de produtos silvestres. Sob certas condições, essa estratégia poderia ser uma alternativa viável de uso de terra no estuário amazônico.

Despite their economic and ecological importance, Amazonian palms have been largely neglected by contemporary taxonomists. The resulting confusion at the specific level is a serious impediment to research efforts by specialists in other fields. To assess the state of systematic collections presently available in Amazônia, we conducted a survey of the palm specimens in three Brazilian herbaria (MG, IAN and INPA). Twelve criteria were utilized to measure the quality of the specimens. We found that most of the 897 specimens are reasonably complete in a physical sense, but a large proportion lack crucial information on their labels. Curating facilities are in serious need of improvement, as is evident from the significant (26%) percentage of specimens found to be in an unreasonable state of preservation. A checklist of the 232 currently recognized palm species in Brazilian Amazônia shows that 145 (62.5%) are not represented by identified specimens, and that the representation which does exist lacks depth. To improve the quality and representativeness of collections in regional herbaria, we suggest procedures for collecting and storing palms as well as policies designed to intensify collecting efforts in Amazônia.

Abstract A rapid method for screening phenolic content in leaves is described and evaluated. The method is based on a treated paper strip that is squeezed around a leaf with pilars. Weaknesses of the method are some subjectivity, lack of precision, and apparent insensitivity to phenolics present as glycosides. Strengths include its speed and independence of laboratory facilities. Immediate testing of leaves following detachment appears to be essential. The crude extraction in the field compares favorably with a more conventional extraction technique. The method is recommended for use in preliminary screening of plant material when a large number of species must te examined within a short time and when laboratory facilities are not available at the field site.

Resumo Referências sobre 20 principais espécies de palmeiras utilizadas pelos Xiriana-teri, uma tribo de índios Yanomama, localizada ao norte do Estado do Amazonas, Brasil. Os nomes comuns (indígenas e brasileiros) e científicos de cada espécie são mencionados. Os usos que os Xiriana-teri fazem das palmeiras são examinados detalhadamente, concluindo-se que eles as utilizam em grau muito menor do que outras tribos de diversas regiões tropicais da América do Sul. Em grande parte, isso é devido aos aspectos materiais de sua cultura, bastante rudimentares em relação a outras tribos. Também, segundo observações do autor, houve no passado uma superexploração de espécies economicamente importantes nas proximidades da aldeia, o que é um fator importante na limitação atual dos usos que os Xiriana-teri fazem das palmeiras.

Abstract A field study of the floral biology of two species of Nymphaea (Nymphaeaceae) wp.s made. N. rudgeana G.F.W. Meyer, a night flowering species, was studied around Manaus and Belém. It is visited by the scarab beetle Cyclocephala castanea Oliv. in the Manaus vicinity and by C. verticalis Burm. in the Belém vicinity. N. rudgeana is protogynous and cross-pollination is quite frequent. N. ampla (Salisb.) DC., a day flowering species, was studied near Salvador, Bahia. This species is visited by the bee species Trigona spinipes. N. ampla is not protogynous and is largely self-fertilized, although a small amount of cross-fertilization may occur through the activity of the Trígona bees.

Two new species of Lecythidaceae from Brazilian Amazonia are described and illustrated:Cariniana penduliflora andCouratari atrovinosa. Details of the pollination ofCouratari atrovinosa are given, the principal pollinator being a Euglossine bee,Eulaema meriana Oliv.