Intensification of açaí palm production reduce tree species diversity at multiple spatial scales in the Amazonian estuarine forest

Supplementary Material from the original research article entitled: “Intensification of açaí palm production reduce tree species diversity at multiple spatial scales in the Amazonian estuarine forest”.
Authors: Madson Antonio Benjamin Freitas, Arleu Barbosa Viana-Junior, Maria Fabíola Barros, José Leonardo Lima Magalhães, Elâine Maria dos Santos Ribeiro, Ima Célia Guimarães Vieira, Marcelo Tabarelli.
ARTICLE INFORMATION: This study investigates the impacts of increased açaí palm density for fruit production (açaí intensification) on tree assemblages in the Amazon estuarine forest. Our main result was that açaí intensification is a major driver of tree species assembly and a threat to the Amazon estuarine forest’s natural heritage, reducing species richness and promoting community nestedness. The açaí case highlights the fragility of NTFP (Non-timber forest products) sustainability when market demand exceeds natural yields, requiring better production indicators and biodiversity monitoring, even if extraction increases income for traditional populations.