USO Y MANEJO DE CERCAS EN UNA COMUNIDAD RURAL DEL SEMIÁRIDO DE PARAÍBA, NORESTE DE BRASIL

This study aimed to identify the species used in the construction of fences, their typology and how they are built in a community of the municipality of Cabaceiras, in the of semi-arid Paraiba, Brazil. At each of the community residences, 50m of fences were measured, recorded, and all vegetable elements identified to species level when possible. After analyzing the fences, their keepers (50 men and 20 women) were interviewed, to obtain data about the use and management of the fences. In 3,500m of fences, 76,661 individuals were recorded, identified in ten species, most of them belonging to dead stakes. The respondents reported a preference for a few species, especially the 'pereiro' (Aspidosperma pyrifolium Mart.) and 'marmoleiro' or quince (Croton blanchetianus Baill.), which is a point of concern due to excessive extraction of these species. Therefore, incentive plans are necessary at the community, to make the people using the exotic species or to make them increasing the use of live fences.