The management of non-timber forest products is an important alternative for forest maintenance. Nevertheless, the demand for some species on a commercial scale may result in negative impacts for local biodiversity. Bryophytes, particularly species of the genus Sphagnum, are among the plant resources exploited in restinga areas of Cananéia, on the southern coast of São Paulo state, Brazil. The harvesting of bryophytes by the local population aims to supply the ornamental plant market. To assess Sphagnum regeneration, plots were established and two harvests were carried out simulating traditional harvesting, which consists of manual and selective harvest of the superficial Sphagnum layer of approximately 15 cm. Height as well as percent cover and Sphagnum yield were measured. Under experimental conditions, the results demonstrated that six and seven months after harvest Sphagnum presented height and yield similar to the initial values. As suggested by the harvesters, there might be an optimal period of time between harvests. In this sense, harvesting practices in their traditional form tend to minimize the negative impacts on Sphagnum growth.
harvesting; non-timber forest products; restinga; sustainable management
