Event Title
Abundance, Density, and Economic Value of the Irapay Palm (Lepidocaryum tenue) in Three Topographically Different Areas of the Peruvian Amazon
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Geography and Planning
Mentor Information
James Penn
Department
Geography and Planning
Location
Henry Hall Atrium 24
Start Date
10-4-2013 9:00 AM
End Date
10-4-2013 10:00 AM
Keywords
Environment, Sustainability, Amazon, Palms, Iquitos
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the density and abundance of the irapay palm (Lepidocaryum tenue) in northeastern Peru. L. tenue is heavily exploited for use in the construction of roof thatch known as crisneja. Transects measuring 500 by 10 meters wide were used to conduct censuses of the palms and survey topography. The mean number of usable palm fronds (for thatch) on each adult palm was determined from a random sample of 100 palms in each study area. The economic value of irapay populations in the forest was then calculated based on the mean density of usable palm fronds in each study area. Results indicate that irapay palm distribution varies in density, which may be related to topography. Irapay was most abundant near a village where it is intensely harvested for sale as roof thatch, but had the lowest number of usable fronds per palm. The economic value of irapay ranged from $1.20 to 10.29 per hectare between the three study areas.
Abundance, Density, and Economic Value of the Irapay Palm (Lepidocaryum tenue) in Three Topographically Different Areas of the Peruvian Amazon
Henry Hall Atrium 24
The purpose of this study was to examine the density and abundance of the irapay palm (Lepidocaryum tenue) in northeastern Peru. L. tenue is heavily exploited for use in the construction of roof thatch known as crisneja. Transects measuring 500 by 10 meters wide were used to conduct censuses of the palms and survey topography. The mean number of usable palm fronds (for thatch) on each adult palm was determined from a random sample of 100 palms in each study area. The economic value of irapay populations in the forest was then calculated based on the mean density of usable palm fronds in each study area. Results indicate that irapay palm distribution varies in density, which may be related to topography. Irapay was most abundant near a village where it is intensely harvested for sale as roof thatch, but had the lowest number of usable fronds per palm. The economic value of irapay ranged from $1.20 to 10.29 per hectare between the three study areas.