Fellowship Year:
2025
Degree:
MESc
Research Country:
Ecuador
Research Continent:
South America
Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to investigate how the swidden fallows of the lowland Kichwa and Huaorani Indigenous groups of eastern Ecuador compare, in terms of palm (family Arecaceae) community composition and age structure, with adjacent unmanaged secondary and mature forest. Swidden fallows are patches of managed successional forest that regenerate on land cleared for the cultivation of staple horticultural crops such as cassava. These successional forests are tended to enhance their floristic composition with species used for food, medicine, construction, and natural fibers.