Commercial Logging of Timber Species Enhances Amazon (Brazil) Nut Populations: Insights from Bolivian Managed Forests

A typical case of multiple-use forest management (MFM) in Southwestern Amazon is the commercial harvesting or Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) seeds and timber other tree species. Although most important non-timber product (NTFP) basin, species under serious threat due to deforestation may also be affected by overharvesting. However, selective logging coexisting with Bertholletia positively affect populations, thus enabling a special for MFM. For this research, we investigated impact intensity on populations Bolivian Amazon. We used demographic data from 72 two-hectare transects located within 24 community-based household forests varying collection (0–100%) (0–15% logging-disturbed area). Simulated population size increased but decreased intensity. were projected grow at average MFM scenario tested: 57.4% harvesting, 5.3% area (?100 = 1.011). Our simulations revealed that up 89% can harvested while sustaining 15% area, applying liana cutting. Modest levels application cutting compensate negative effect next century. study demonstrates production could combined sustainable scheme, increasing economic value managed tropical its promotion reduce pressure deforestation.