Journal of Arid Environments Journal of Arid Environments 70 (2007) 356–379 Use, extraction rates and spatial availability of plant resources in the Tehuaca´n-Cuicatla´n Valley, Mexico: The case of Santiago Quiotepec, Oaxaca E. Pe´rez-Negro´n, A. Casas à Centro de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas, Universidad Nacional Auto´noma de Me´xico (Campus Morelia). Apartado Postal 27-3 (Santa Marı´a de Guido), 58089 Morelia, Michoaca ´n, Me´xico Received 25 April 2006; received in revised form 11 December 2006; accepted 18 December 2006 Available online 15 February 2007 Abstract Ethnobotanical and ecological studies were conducted in the village of Santiago Quiotepec, in the Tehuaca´n-Cuicatla´n Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, in order to analyse the importance of plant resources in peasant subsistence, and the balance between extraction rates and spatial availability of the main plant resources. Maize agriculture is the principal economic activity of local people but annual production (approximately 45 tons) was insufficient to satisfy the local demand (nearly 75 tons). People import most of their food, but complement their economy by commercialization of fruit produced in homegardens and plantations and gathering of plant products from the forests. A total of 252 useful plant species was recorded, most of them used as fodder (169), medicine (88), food (74), and fuel wood (70). High quantities of plant products were gathered from forests and disturbed vegetation per year. For instance, nearly 800 kg of the traditional greens and 550 kg of cactus fruits were consumed and about 464 tons of fuel wood was extracted for cooking in the whole village yearly. In general, extraction rates of plant resources for household subsistence were low in relation to their spatial availability, and apparently do not endanger useful plants populations. However, if commercialized, the extraction of fuel wood and other resources may lead to local extinction of populations. Local practices for conservation are discussed. r 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Ethnobotany; Firewood; Medicinal plants; Non-timber forest products; Peasant subsistence; Sustainable use; Wild vegetables ARTICLE IN PRESS www.elsevier.com/locate/jaridenv 0140-1963/$ - see front matter r 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.jaridenv.2006.12.016 à Corresponding author. Tel.: +52 43 22 27 38; fax: +52 56 23 27 19. E-mail address: acasas@oikos.unma.mx (A. Casas).