Knowledge, use, and management of pequi (Caryocar coriaceum Wittm.) in the region of the Sete Cidades National Park (Piauí, Brazil)

Background: This study aimed to identify and characterize the knowledge and forms of use and management of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. in rural communities in the region of the Sete Cidades National Park – PNSC (Piauí, Brazil). Methods: The data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The questionnaire sought information on knowledge of the species, forms of use and management, period, areas, and forms of collection, transport, storage, processing, and commercialization of the resource, as well as socio-economic data, such as age, marital status, level of education of the informants, and length of residence in the community. Results: A total of 375 use citations were recorded across the following categories: food (84), construction (81), technology (62), medicinal (57), fodder (50), veterinary (21), fuel (15), magico-religious (4), and others (1). Food and construction had the highest use diversity value (UDV). Pequi oil stood out in the medicinal category due to its commercialization. A gender-based analysis indicated men knew more uses than women. The primary forms of management were collection (27) and protection (8). The results suggest overexploitation of C. coriaceum, putting local availability at risk. Conclusions: Considering the use pressure on C. coriaceum, studies for investigating possible anthropogenic impacts caused by the unsustainable management of pequi in the region should be conducted, seeking more information for the development of conservation strategies for this species. Keywords: Ethnobotany, Local Knowledge, NTFP, Extractivism.