Landscape, agrobiodiversity, and local knowledge in the protected area “Quebrada de los Cuervos y Sierras del Yerbal,” Uruguay

Introduction Agrobiodiversity and local knowledge are fundamental components in the domestication structuring of rural landscapes. In a context threats to agroecosystems resulting from changes production systems rural–urban migration processes, conservation valorization agrobiodiversity is pressing challenge. “Quebrada de los Cuervos Sierras del Yerbal” protected landscape Uruguay where community approximately 30 families with long-standing tradition resides. Methods The research aimed at identifying current abandoned (taperas) domestic contexts, plant genetic resources found area, categorizing their uses management practices through interviews participant observation. Results discussion Ethnographic revealed 185 species (121 exotic, 64 native) diverse growth habits, 10 categories uses, 11 for practices. differences between houses taperas that abandonment activities areas relevant factor loss agrobiodiversity. Among species, notable group high cultural significance recognized due consensus use, frequency practices, number uses. These include introduced fruit trees (peach, citrus, fig) native (guayabo país, pitanga, arazá), vegetable landraces, multiple yerba mate, medicinal such as Aristolochia fimbriata . For model spatial distribution proposed, cultivated spaces located home gardens small plots, managed surroundings houses, promoted intervened wild used natural grasslands environments. obtained information reaffirms need conserve this biocultural landscape, placing focal point area. plan must be formulated active participation community, aiming integration into agroecological chains, among other possibilities.