Simulated Impacts of Harvesting Chamaedorea linearis and C. pinnatifrons (Arecaceae): Implications for Their Conservation

Abstract

Palms are important sources of nontimber forest products. One of their most common uses is as ornamentals, which often involves harvesting whole individuals or plant parts from wild populations. Chamaedorea linearis and Chamaedorea pinnatifrons are still not excessively harvested, but they have substantial ornamental potential, and their populations are decreasing. The use of a wild species can contribute to its conservation if the use is governed by adequate harvest rates. We simulated harvest impacts on the population dynamics of C. linearis and C. pinnatifrons in an Andean montane forest in Parque Natural Chicaque, Colombia, using integral projection models (IPMs) over the period 2019–2021. We projected management scenarios including the harvest of juveniles, as well as leaves and fruits of adults. In our model, the finite growth rate of C. linearis decreased (λ = 0.76–0.91) whereas in C. pinnatifrons it remained stable (λ = 0.98–1.04). The simulations of the harvest of juveniles and leaves suggested negative impacts on the populations' sizes and in the transient growth rate (λ₂₀) in the long term when compared to no harvest. Fruits harvest had no considerable effects under 20% of removal once per year in both of the populations, but had a decrease in populations under 20% of removal twice and four times a year. We conclude that sustainable use strategies should focus on protecting juveniles in both populations. Fruit harvest for propagation can be promoted as a sustainable use strategy that does not endanger their conservation.