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Ana H. Ladio

Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Ecotono, Faculty Member

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My research interests and experience are in quantitative ethnobotany, botany, plant ecology, cultural and biological conservation. My perspective is biocultural –linking ecology, botany and culture- trying to understand the connection between humans and Nature in diverse ecological and cultural settings. My publications include ethnobotanical as well as ethnoecological topics.
Address: Quintral 1250
8400-S.C. de Bariloche
Río Negro- Argentina

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Papers by Ana H. Ladio

FE DE ERRATAS: Las etnoespecies comercializadas en la feria de agricultores de Bariloche (Rio Negro, Argentina) y su versatilidad en alimentos locales: Contribuciones hacia la soberanía alimentaria local

Boletin de la Sociedad Argentina de Botanica, Jun 28, 2023

Medical Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology in Latin America 2013

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014

Urban Ethnobiology

Springer eBooks, 2016

People can be the causative agents of introducing new animal or plantspecies, which may demonstra... more People can be the causative agents of introducing new animal or plantspecies, which may demonstrate invasive behaviors and produce signifi cant changesin the dynamics of the urban ecosystem. Therefore, landscape humanization processesin cities are a signifi cant event but have been little studied from an ethnobiologicalperspective. Urban ethnobiology proposes thus a study of the interrelations(whether symbolic, affective, emotional, or material) between city dwellers and natural resources.Fil: Ladio, Ana Haydee. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; ArgentinaFil: Albuquerque, Ulysses. Universidad Federal Rural Pernambuco; Brasi

Complejos vegetales comestibles y medicinales en la Patagonia Argentina: sus componentes y posibles procesos asociados

Latin American and Caribbean Bulletin of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Jul 16, 2015

This paper presents results of a study on the presence of plant complexes in the Mapuche medicina... more This paper presents results of a study on the presence of plant complexes in the Mapuche medicinal and edible flora of Patagonia, Argentina. Based on bibliographic revision and field work, ten complexes (composed by native and exotic plants) have been recognized in the region. Each plant complex is only labeled by exotic components. Most of the exotic species are cultivated, with more utilitarian versatility and environmental availability than native plants. However, most of the native components have large use consensus at regional level. Each complex component shares morphological, organoleptic and utilitarian characteristics and in six cases belongs to the same family. Traditional classification system dynamic and their complexity are discussed considering the temporal interaction with exotic elements. We concluded that studied plant complexes are the result of chemo-taxonomic, socio-cultural and environmental factors.

Medical Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology in Latin America

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012

Patagonian berries as native food and medicine

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Sep 1, 2019

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Patagonia is the southernmost part of the South American continen... more Ethnopharmacological relevance: Patagonia is the southernmost part of the South American continent including Chile and Argentina. Berries and wild fruits have been gathered by the native Patagonians as food and medicine for over 14,000 years. The economic potential of the native berries as health promoting and relevant sources of bioactive substances has become apparent with several studies in the last decades. Aim of study: This work aims to provide an insight into the ethnohistorical records of wild edible fruits from Patagonia starting with the archeobotanical studies to the contemporary use of the resources. The chemical and bioactivity studies on the native fruits are presented and discussed. Methodology: A search of electronic databases including Scopus, Scielo, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect and SciFinder, as well as hand-search was carried out to perform an integrative review on the native Patagonian berries. Results: The use of native berries as food and medicine by the ancient hunter-gatherer societies can be traced back to the early occupation of Patagonia. The same species used in prehistoric times are still used as food by the contemporary population in this area. Chemical and bioactivity studies have reported remarkable activities in several of the native berries, including calafate (Berberis spp.), native strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis), currants (Ribes spp.), Patagonian raspberries (Rubus spp.) and maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) fruits. The increasing demand for maqui and calafate led to the selection of varieties for commercial production. The fruit constituents show strong antioxidant and inhibitory effect towards enzymes associated with metabolic syndrome, including α-amylase, α-glucosidase and lipase. Some berry constituents exert anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. The phytochemicals identified include a wide array of phenolics of different structural skeletons. Changes in composition and bioactivity after simulated gastric and intestinal digestion, as well as colonic fermentation, have been reported in some Patagonian species. Conclusions: Patagonian berries are a relevant source of bioactive compounds with several health promoting properties. The long tradition of use and the interest of the population for their consumption has led to the development of some of this fruits as new potential crops.

Pumas, Zorros, Chivos, Corderos y Humanod

Antioxidant activity and phenolic profiles of the wild currant Ribes magellanicum from Chilean and Argentinean Patagonia

Food Science and Nutrition, Dec 19, 2015

The Patagonian currant Ribes magellanicum is highly valued due to its pleasant flavor and sweet t... more The Patagonian currant Ribes magellanicum is highly valued due to its pleasant flavor and sweet taste. The aim of this study was to characterize its constituents and to assess their antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. For the fruit phenolic-enriched extract (PEE), total phenolics (TP), total flavonoids (TF), and antioxidant activity (DPPH, Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC)) were determined. Argentinean samples presented better activity in the DPPH and FRAP assays. Best cytoprotection against oxidative stress induced by H 2 O 2 in AGS cells was found in one Argentinean sample at 500 μg mL -1 (65.7%). HPLC MS/MS analysis allowed the tentative identification of 59 constituents, including eight anthocyanins, 11 conjugates of caffeic-, ferulic-, and coumaric acid, and 38 flavonoids, most of them quercetin and kaempferol derivatives. Argentinean samples showed a more complex pattern of anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids (HCA), and flavonoids. Cyanidin rhamnoside hexoside and cyanidin hexoside were the main anthocyanins, accounting for 35 and 55% for the Argentinean and 60 and 27% for the ripe Chilean fruits. HCA content was about three times higher in Argentinean samples. The phenolic profiles of Chilean and Argentinean Ribes magellanicum show remarkable differences in chemical composition with higher HCA and flavonoid content in Argentinean samples.

The other sheep, resistant but forgotten: Archetypal characterization of Linca sheep farmers in Argentine Patagonia

Ethnobiology and Conservation

Identifying and understanding how resilience is generated in a local socioecological system is es... more Identifying and understanding how resilience is generated in a local socioecological system is essential for the design of future conservation strategies. The Linca sheep represents one of the most important – but least known – biocultural legacies of the Mapuche people in Patagonia. These sheep, which arrived in the region along with the conquistadors more than three centuries ago, have been almost completely displaced by the Merino sheep breed. In this work we analyse the principal components that characterise the relictual producers of Linca sheep. These components are the key for the conservation of this traditional practice and takes a substantial part of local zoological knowledge (LZK). Interviews with artisans (n = 51) who know, require or use Linca wool, either know the breeders, enabled us to contact and interview 13 families who preserve these sheep. Based on an interpretative study we identified 3 biocultural components and 11 analytical variables. Through this analysis ...

Lizards of Patagonia

Natural and Social Sciences of Patagonia, 2020

Despite being an underpopulated region, Patagonia has attracted the attention of scientists since... more Despite being an underpopulated region, Patagonia has attracted the attention of scientists since the very beginning of its settlement. From classical explorers such as Darwin or D'Orbigny, to modern science including nuclear and satellite developments, several disciplines have focused their efforts on unraveling Patagonia's natural and social history. Today, scientific and technological research is shifting from being shaped by northern agendas, towards more locally oriented objectives, such as the management of natural resources, the modernization of energy production and distribution, and the coexistence of rural and cosmopolitan social lifestyles. At the intersection of all these topics, new conflicts concerning the economy, human development, population, and the proper and long-standing planification and management of the landscape and its natural resources have emerged. These conflicts, of course, have also caught the attention of many interdisciplinary research groups. This series is aimed at describing and discussing various aspects of this complex reality, but also at bridging the gaps between the scientific community and governments, policymakers, and society in general. The respective volumes will analyze and synthesize our knowledge of Patagonian biodiversity at different scales, from alleles, genes and species, to ecosystems and the biosphere, including its multilevel interactions. As humans cannot be viewed as being separate from biodiversity, the series' volumes will also share anthropological, archaeological, sociological and historical views of humanity, and highlight the wide range of benefits that ecosystems provide to humanity including provisioning, regulating and cultural services.

Domesticated Landscapes in Araucaria Forests, Southern Brazil: A Multispecies Local Conservation-by-Use System

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 2018

Araucaria forest is a sub-tropical component of the Atlantic Forest Biome, occurring between 18 a... more Araucaria forest is a sub-tropical component of the Atlantic Forest Biome, occurring between 18 and 30 • S latitude, and 500-1,800 m altitude in Southern and Southwestern Brazil and Northwestern Argentina. In recent history (Twentieth century), this forest has undergone non-sustainable exploitation and reduction in area dedicated to agricultural and forestry use. However, smallholders continue using several resources from this forest, even adapting management systems. The main system is geared toward the production of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) under araucaria trees (Araucaria angustifolia), which holds economic, cultural, and social relevance for thousands of farmers. Seeking evidence of domestication and conservation of the resources managed in this system, we compared different landscapes on the Northern Plateau of Santa Catarina in Southern Brazil. Focusing on three species-yerba mate, araucaria and caraguatá (Bromelia antiacantha)-we characterized management practices (interviews and guided tours), demographic structure (permanent plots in farming zones and in a protected area), and genetic diversity in populations from the same places. Demographic structure and genetic diversity from different landscapes were compared to evaluate the system potential for conservation. The results indicated that the three species are intentionally promoted with practices of protection, transplanting and/or selection, in different ways and with different functions (caraguatá hedges, yerba mate harvesting, and collection of pinhões-seed like nuts-of araucaria). Landscapes are managed for yerba mate harvesting and cattle raising, for both economic and cultural reasons, with a consequent reduction in the density of most other plant species. In all cases the genetic diversity of the species was high for most of the sampled properties, and the set of farmers' populations did not differ from the protected area. The set of populations of each species operates as a metapopulation and local management practices contribute to conservation. Thus, the farmers' management systems and practices maintain the Reis et al. Conservation-by-Use System in Araucaria Forests landscape with productive forest fragments, favoring the conservation-by-use of these species. The system requires these management practices, which bring about changes in various species and are motivated by cultural and economic factors, in order to maintain the landscapes domesticated.

Ethnobiology and research on Global Environmental Change: what distinctive contribution can we make?

Ethnobiology and Conservation, 2017

Several reports have shown that communities of small farmers are the most vulnerable to global en... more Several reports have shown that communities of small farmers are the most vulnerable to global environmental change (GEC). Others have revealed that societies which can count on a rich body of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) are more resilient in facing this challenge, since their behaviour is already adaptive in character. Within this scenario, the IPCC establishes the need for “cross fertilisation” between TEK and scientific knowledge (SK). But how can we arrive at interpretative agreements when these two knowledge systems are so different? In this review I analyse the substantial role ethnobiology can play in providing empirical evidence on this subject in Latin America. The characteristics of our discipline offer differential advantages: 1) because we are actually there, our interpretation of vulnerability and adaptation arise from experiences shared with people who have a long term interconnection with their environment, and not from abstract indices created in offices; ...

Antioxidant activity and phenolic profiles of Sauvignon Blanc wines made by various maceration techniques

Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, 2015

Background and Aims: White wines are typically low in phenolic substances and antioxidant activit... more Background and Aims: White wines are typically low in phenolic substances and antioxidant activity, both of which can be increased by maceration with extended skin contact. This study employed five maceration techniques to assess the increase in phenolic substances and in antioxidant activity in Sauvignon Blanc wine. Methods and Results: Wines were assessed for the concentration of phenolic substances by a newly developed HPLC method utilising ultraviolet-visible and electrochemical detectors. A significant increase in phenolic substances was observed with some treatments, particularly semi-carbonic maceration (CM) and cryogenic/semi-carbonic maceration (CRCM). The antioxidant activity of the wines was assessed with the oxygen radical absorbance capacity and 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl assays, and both revealed a six-to sevenfold increase for CM and CRCM over that of the control. Cryogenic maceration alone resulted in wines with a moderate increase in phenolic substances and antioxidant activity, and generally maintained the sensory profile of the control Sauvignon Blanc wines. Conclusions: We demonstrated that altering the maceration technique can significantly increase the phenolic profiles of wines and their antioxidant activity. This increase can potentially lead to protection of wine aroma compounds from oxidation and aid in the stability of the wines. This study demonstrates the ability to produce wines maintaining the quality characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc, while having an increased concentration of phenolic substances. Phenolic substances are associated with wine stability and high antioxidant activity. These techniques provide additional options for oenologists to produce distinctive wines.

Different Relational Models have Shaped the Biocultural Conservation over Time of Araucaria araucana Forests and Their People

Routledge eBooks, Aug 10, 2023

Oxalis adenophylla Gillies ex Hook. & Arn

Medicinal and aromatic plants of the world, 2018

Oxalis adenophylla Gillies ex Hook. & Arn., is a native herb of the Subantartic Forest and St... more Oxalis adenophylla Gillies ex Hook. & Arn., is a native herb of the Subantartic Forest and Stepps of Patagonia. O. adenophylla has multiple uses and a high cultural value for many local populations of Patagonia. The leaves are used to treat fever, their roots are edible, and the plant is employed as ornamental. Despite their local cultural importance as medicine, there is little understanding of the phytochemistry and bioactivity of its property to treat fever, and the nutritional characteristics of its edible root. Similarly, its ornamental potential and growing marketing have not been investigated in the region. The ecological knowledge of local populations, that have historically used and currently use this species, seems to be essential to promote the sustainable management and conservation of O. adenophylla in Patagonia.

Ethnoindicators of Environmental Change: Local Knowledge used for Rangeland Management Among Smallholders of Patagonia

Rangeland Ecology & Management, Sep 1, 2020

The current degradation crisis in arid and semiarid lands is creating severe economic and social ... more The current degradation crisis in arid and semiarid lands is creating severe economic and social difficulties, aggravating the food situation and greatly affecting the least developed countries and small farmers around the world. However, little attention has been given to the wealth of knowledge held by rural livestock farmers on this phenomenon, particularly those linked to environmental indicators. The objective of this work was to investigate plant attributes used by smallholders as ethnoindicators of short-and longterm environmental change. Using an ethnoecological approach, the study was carried out along with rural livestock smallholders who inhabit the central-northern Patagonian plateau. Open and semistructured interviews were carried out with 35 informants who were strongly associated with subsistence livestock farming. A total of 23 plant species were registered as being involved in detection of environmental change. The types of environmental change recorded were short term (such as droughts) and long term (such as desertification). These plants presented 14 different indicators, involving various life forms: gramineous or graminoid plants (65%), woody species (30%), and plants that are not gramineous or graminoid (5%). The plant community attributes that functioned as indicators were presence/absence of species, species abundance, and visible plant characteristics such as exposed roots, changes in plant architecture, and/or changes in phenology. The traits used as indicators provide complex information that is essential to the understanding of plant development and the structure and functioning of the managed ecosystem. Key lessons from this work include the following: The integration of plant ethnoindicators is important for the successful diagnosis and permanent monitoring of arid lands; and development plans incorporating indicators constructed with the involvement of the local people, as well as the rangeland professionals, must help to mobilize knowledge and practice on an equal basis.

Las aves en el patrimonio biocultural de los crianceros rurales del centro-norte de la Patagonia, Argentina

El Hornero, Aug 1, 2017

basado su supervivencia en múltiples estrategias, generando diversos vínculos vitales y recíproco... more basado su supervivencia en múltiples estrategias, generando diversos vínculos vitales y recíprocos con la fauna. Con el tiempo, muchas de estas familias mapuches, tehuelches y criollas han construido una identidad criancera que se crea y recrea en el presente. Habitan en establecimientos ganaderos de pequeña escala y poseen pequeñas majadas de ovinos y caprinos. Numerosas manifestaciones de su acervo biocultural pueden ser visibilizadas como patrimonio etnozoológico local, como lo son los múltiples conocimientos y expresiones culturales acerca de las aves. Se realizaron entrevistas abiertas y en profundidad a 20 crianceros de Sierra Rosada, Sierra Ventana y El Escorial. Parte del patrimonio biocultural ornitológico relevado refiere a 15 especies de aves silvestres y 1 domesticada, distinguiéndose una variedad de roles de índole material-simbólico, que incluye la obtención de distintas partes del cuerpo para ser usadas como alimento, medicina, elementos domésticos y adornos, siendo el Choique (Rhea pennata) la especie más versátil. Además, se destacan 11 especies anunciadoras de cambios en el clima o eventos sociales en la vida pastoril. En el patrimonio ornitológico local se evidencian imperativos éticos de alto valor para la conservación biocultural, por lo cual su valoración y difusión es esencial frente a los drásticos cambios ambientales y socio-culturales que experimenta la región.

Patagonian Ethnopedology and Its Role in Food Security: A Case Study of Rural Communities in Arid Environments of Argentina

Journal of Ethnobiology, May 29, 2023

Local knowledge of horticultural soils was analysed from an ethnobiological perspective in a rura... more Local knowledge of horticultural soils was analysed from an ethnobiological perspective in a rural population of arid Patagonian, in order to gain a deeper understanding of how the farmers classify, use and value the soil. In this large but sparsely populated territory, a group of 27 participants was selected. The farmers use an ethnoclassification system that distinguishes nine different soil types according to their horticultural aptitude. The classification criteria are based on the morphological attributes of the soil and certain ethnoindicators (i.e., texture, structure, colour and plant species present). All these aspects, evaluated within the framework of local symbolic and cultural precepts, proved to be key to the management of soils with pronounced edaphic and climatic limitations in terms of farming. Recognition of local knowledge and its contribution to dealing with current socioenvironmental challenges and crises may favour the design of more sustainable farming production in communities that are socio-environmentally vulnerable, considering the populations, soil, and culture as components of a complex integrated system, and not as isolated elements.

Una aproximación etnobotánica al uso y la conservación de leña en comunidades rurales de estepa

Resilience processes and positioning of agroecological farmers in an urban horticultural fair in northwest Patagonia

Ethnobotany Research and Applications, Jun 3, 2023

Background: Horticultural fairs are spaces that promote regional agrobiodiversity, transmitting a... more Background: Horticultural fairs are spaces that promote regional agrobiodiversity, transmitting and recreating multiple knowledge and emotions between horticulturists and customers. The adaptive processes by which fairs are sustained over time in the face of socio-economic, climatic, and sanitary changes are still little known. Considering the principles of socio-environmental resilience, the aims of this research were: 1) to analyze the positionings of horticulturists that favor the process of resilience in the Free Fair of Family Farmers from Nahuel Huapi, San Carlos de Bariloche (Patagonia, Argentina) and 2) to reflect on the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by this fair for its sustainability over time. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out that included interviews, participant observation, and virtual ethnography. Results: One hundred and eighty-six ethnospecies, mostly of exotic origin (99%) are part of the agrobiodiversity of the fair. The main principles that foster the resilience of the fair are: high agrobiodiversity and functional redundancy that reflect and promote local food customs; learning and connectivity for innovation and information exchange; and cooperation and adaptive systemic thinking based on experiences, attachment to the land, and reciprocity. The affective dimension crosses each of these principles, strengthening the cultural fabric of horticulturists and customers. However, the economic and cultural viability of the fair is uncertain, mainly due to the drastic socio-environmental changes that the region is experiencing. Conclusions: To reduce the vulnerabilities of the fair, it will be necessary to strengthen the principles mentioned above and to increase the participation of the broader levels of governance (technical and governmental sectors).

FE DE ERRATAS: Las etnoespecies comercializadas en la feria de agricultores de Bariloche (Rio Negro, Argentina) y su versatilidad en alimentos locales: Contribuciones hacia la soberanía alimentaria local

Boletin de la Sociedad Argentina de Botanica, Jun 28, 2023

Medical Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology in Latin America 2013

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014

Urban Ethnobiology

Springer eBooks, 2016

People can be the causative agents of introducing new animal or plantspecies, which may demonstra... more People can be the causative agents of introducing new animal or plantspecies, which may demonstrate invasive behaviors and produce signifi cant changesin the dynamics of the urban ecosystem. Therefore, landscape humanization processesin cities are a signifi cant event but have been little studied from an ethnobiologicalperspective. Urban ethnobiology proposes thus a study of the interrelations(whether symbolic, affective, emotional, or material) between city dwellers and natural resources.Fil: Ladio, Ana Haydee. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; ArgentinaFil: Albuquerque, Ulysses. Universidad Federal Rural Pernambuco; Brasi

Complejos vegetales comestibles y medicinales en la Patagonia Argentina: sus componentes y posibles procesos asociados

Latin American and Caribbean Bulletin of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Jul 16, 2015

This paper presents results of a study on the presence of plant complexes in the Mapuche medicina... more This paper presents results of a study on the presence of plant complexes in the Mapuche medicinal and edible flora of Patagonia, Argentina. Based on bibliographic revision and field work, ten complexes (composed by native and exotic plants) have been recognized in the region. Each plant complex is only labeled by exotic components. Most of the exotic species are cultivated, with more utilitarian versatility and environmental availability than native plants. However, most of the native components have large use consensus at regional level. Each complex component shares morphological, organoleptic and utilitarian characteristics and in six cases belongs to the same family. Traditional classification system dynamic and their complexity are discussed considering the temporal interaction with exotic elements. We concluded that studied plant complexes are the result of chemo-taxonomic, socio-cultural and environmental factors.

Medical Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology in Latin America

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012

Patagonian berries as native food and medicine

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Sep 1, 2019

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Patagonia is the southernmost part of the South American continen... more Ethnopharmacological relevance: Patagonia is the southernmost part of the South American continent including Chile and Argentina. Berries and wild fruits have been gathered by the native Patagonians as food and medicine for over 14,000 years. The economic potential of the native berries as health promoting and relevant sources of bioactive substances has become apparent with several studies in the last decades. Aim of study: This work aims to provide an insight into the ethnohistorical records of wild edible fruits from Patagonia starting with the archeobotanical studies to the contemporary use of the resources. The chemical and bioactivity studies on the native fruits are presented and discussed. Methodology: A search of electronic databases including Scopus, Scielo, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect and SciFinder, as well as hand-search was carried out to perform an integrative review on the native Patagonian berries. Results: The use of native berries as food and medicine by the ancient hunter-gatherer societies can be traced back to the early occupation of Patagonia. The same species used in prehistoric times are still used as food by the contemporary population in this area. Chemical and bioactivity studies have reported remarkable activities in several of the native berries, including calafate (Berberis spp.), native strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis), currants (Ribes spp.), Patagonian raspberries (Rubus spp.) and maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) fruits. The increasing demand for maqui and calafate led to the selection of varieties for commercial production. The fruit constituents show strong antioxidant and inhibitory effect towards enzymes associated with metabolic syndrome, including α-amylase, α-glucosidase and lipase. Some berry constituents exert anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. The phytochemicals identified include a wide array of phenolics of different structural skeletons. Changes in composition and bioactivity after simulated gastric and intestinal digestion, as well as colonic fermentation, have been reported in some Patagonian species. Conclusions: Patagonian berries are a relevant source of bioactive compounds with several health promoting properties. The long tradition of use and the interest of the population for their consumption has led to the development of some of this fruits as new potential crops.

Pumas, Zorros, Chivos, Corderos y Humanod

Antioxidant activity and phenolic profiles of the wild currant Ribes magellanicum from Chilean and Argentinean Patagonia

Food Science and Nutrition, Dec 19, 2015

The Patagonian currant Ribes magellanicum is highly valued due to its pleasant flavor and sweet t... more The Patagonian currant Ribes magellanicum is highly valued due to its pleasant flavor and sweet taste. The aim of this study was to characterize its constituents and to assess their antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. For the fruit phenolic-enriched extract (PEE), total phenolics (TP), total flavonoids (TF), and antioxidant activity (DPPH, Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC)) were determined. Argentinean samples presented better activity in the DPPH and FRAP assays. Best cytoprotection against oxidative stress induced by H 2 O 2 in AGS cells was found in one Argentinean sample at 500 μg mL -1 (65.7%). HPLC MS/MS analysis allowed the tentative identification of 59 constituents, including eight anthocyanins, 11 conjugates of caffeic-, ferulic-, and coumaric acid, and 38 flavonoids, most of them quercetin and kaempferol derivatives. Argentinean samples showed a more complex pattern of anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids (HCA), and flavonoids. Cyanidin rhamnoside hexoside and cyanidin hexoside were the main anthocyanins, accounting for 35 and 55% for the Argentinean and 60 and 27% for the ripe Chilean fruits. HCA content was about three times higher in Argentinean samples. The phenolic profiles of Chilean and Argentinean Ribes magellanicum show remarkable differences in chemical composition with higher HCA and flavonoid content in Argentinean samples.

The other sheep, resistant but forgotten: Archetypal characterization of Linca sheep farmers in Argentine Patagonia

Ethnobiology and Conservation

Identifying and understanding how resilience is generated in a local socioecological system is es... more Identifying and understanding how resilience is generated in a local socioecological system is essential for the design of future conservation strategies. The Linca sheep represents one of the most important – but least known – biocultural legacies of the Mapuche people in Patagonia. These sheep, which arrived in the region along with the conquistadors more than three centuries ago, have been almost completely displaced by the Merino sheep breed. In this work we analyse the principal components that characterise the relictual producers of Linca sheep. These components are the key for the conservation of this traditional practice and takes a substantial part of local zoological knowledge (LZK). Interviews with artisans (n = 51) who know, require or use Linca wool, either know the breeders, enabled us to contact and interview 13 families who preserve these sheep. Based on an interpretative study we identified 3 biocultural components and 11 analytical variables. Through this analysis ...

Lizards of Patagonia

Natural and Social Sciences of Patagonia, 2020

Despite being an underpopulated region, Patagonia has attracted the attention of scientists since... more Despite being an underpopulated region, Patagonia has attracted the attention of scientists since the very beginning of its settlement. From classical explorers such as Darwin or D'Orbigny, to modern science including nuclear and satellite developments, several disciplines have focused their efforts on unraveling Patagonia's natural and social history. Today, scientific and technological research is shifting from being shaped by northern agendas, towards more locally oriented objectives, such as the management of natural resources, the modernization of energy production and distribution, and the coexistence of rural and cosmopolitan social lifestyles. At the intersection of all these topics, new conflicts concerning the economy, human development, population, and the proper and long-standing planification and management of the landscape and its natural resources have emerged. These conflicts, of course, have also caught the attention of many interdisciplinary research groups. This series is aimed at describing and discussing various aspects of this complex reality, but also at bridging the gaps between the scientific community and governments, policymakers, and society in general. The respective volumes will analyze and synthesize our knowledge of Patagonian biodiversity at different scales, from alleles, genes and species, to ecosystems and the biosphere, including its multilevel interactions. As humans cannot be viewed as being separate from biodiversity, the series' volumes will also share anthropological, archaeological, sociological and historical views of humanity, and highlight the wide range of benefits that ecosystems provide to humanity including provisioning, regulating and cultural services.

Domesticated Landscapes in Araucaria Forests, Southern Brazil: A Multispecies Local Conservation-by-Use System

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 2018

Araucaria forest is a sub-tropical component of the Atlantic Forest Biome, occurring between 18 a... more Araucaria forest is a sub-tropical component of the Atlantic Forest Biome, occurring between 18 and 30 • S latitude, and 500-1,800 m altitude in Southern and Southwestern Brazil and Northwestern Argentina. In recent history (Twentieth century), this forest has undergone non-sustainable exploitation and reduction in area dedicated to agricultural and forestry use. However, smallholders continue using several resources from this forest, even adapting management systems. The main system is geared toward the production of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) under araucaria trees (Araucaria angustifolia), which holds economic, cultural, and social relevance for thousands of farmers. Seeking evidence of domestication and conservation of the resources managed in this system, we compared different landscapes on the Northern Plateau of Santa Catarina in Southern Brazil. Focusing on three species-yerba mate, araucaria and caraguatá (Bromelia antiacantha)-we characterized management practices (interviews and guided tours), demographic structure (permanent plots in farming zones and in a protected area), and genetic diversity in populations from the same places. Demographic structure and genetic diversity from different landscapes were compared to evaluate the system potential for conservation. The results indicated that the three species are intentionally promoted with practices of protection, transplanting and/or selection, in different ways and with different functions (caraguatá hedges, yerba mate harvesting, and collection of pinhões-seed like nuts-of araucaria). Landscapes are managed for yerba mate harvesting and cattle raising, for both economic and cultural reasons, with a consequent reduction in the density of most other plant species. In all cases the genetic diversity of the species was high for most of the sampled properties, and the set of farmers' populations did not differ from the protected area. The set of populations of each species operates as a metapopulation and local management practices contribute to conservation. Thus, the farmers' management systems and practices maintain the Reis et al. Conservation-by-Use System in Araucaria Forests landscape with productive forest fragments, favoring the conservation-by-use of these species. The system requires these management practices, which bring about changes in various species and are motivated by cultural and economic factors, in order to maintain the landscapes domesticated.

Ethnobiology and research on Global Environmental Change: what distinctive contribution can we make?

Ethnobiology and Conservation, 2017

Several reports have shown that communities of small farmers are the most vulnerable to global en... more Several reports have shown that communities of small farmers are the most vulnerable to global environmental change (GEC). Others have revealed that societies which can count on a rich body of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) are more resilient in facing this challenge, since their behaviour is already adaptive in character. Within this scenario, the IPCC establishes the need for “cross fertilisation” between TEK and scientific knowledge (SK). But how can we arrive at interpretative agreements when these two knowledge systems are so different? In this review I analyse the substantial role ethnobiology can play in providing empirical evidence on this subject in Latin America. The characteristics of our discipline offer differential advantages: 1) because we are actually there, our interpretation of vulnerability and adaptation arise from experiences shared with people who have a long term interconnection with their environment, and not from abstract indices created in offices; ...

Antioxidant activity and phenolic profiles of Sauvignon Blanc wines made by various maceration techniques

Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research, 2015

Background and Aims: White wines are typically low in phenolic substances and antioxidant activit... more Background and Aims: White wines are typically low in phenolic substances and antioxidant activity, both of which can be increased by maceration with extended skin contact. This study employed five maceration techniques to assess the increase in phenolic substances and in antioxidant activity in Sauvignon Blanc wine. Methods and Results: Wines were assessed for the concentration of phenolic substances by a newly developed HPLC method utilising ultraviolet-visible and electrochemical detectors. A significant increase in phenolic substances was observed with some treatments, particularly semi-carbonic maceration (CM) and cryogenic/semi-carbonic maceration (CRCM). The antioxidant activity of the wines was assessed with the oxygen radical absorbance capacity and 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl assays, and both revealed a six-to sevenfold increase for CM and CRCM over that of the control. Cryogenic maceration alone resulted in wines with a moderate increase in phenolic substances and antioxidant activity, and generally maintained the sensory profile of the control Sauvignon Blanc wines. Conclusions: We demonstrated that altering the maceration technique can significantly increase the phenolic profiles of wines and their antioxidant activity. This increase can potentially lead to protection of wine aroma compounds from oxidation and aid in the stability of the wines. This study demonstrates the ability to produce wines maintaining the quality characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc, while having an increased concentration of phenolic substances. Phenolic substances are associated with wine stability and high antioxidant activity. These techniques provide additional options for oenologists to produce distinctive wines.

Different Relational Models have Shaped the Biocultural Conservation over Time of Araucaria araucana Forests and Their People

Routledge eBooks, Aug 10, 2023

Oxalis adenophylla Gillies ex Hook. & Arn

Medicinal and aromatic plants of the world, 2018

Oxalis adenophylla Gillies ex Hook. & Arn., is a native herb of the Subantartic Forest and St... more Oxalis adenophylla Gillies ex Hook. & Arn., is a native herb of the Subantartic Forest and Stepps of Patagonia. O. adenophylla has multiple uses and a high cultural value for many local populations of Patagonia. The leaves are used to treat fever, their roots are edible, and the plant is employed as ornamental. Despite their local cultural importance as medicine, there is little understanding of the phytochemistry and bioactivity of its property to treat fever, and the nutritional characteristics of its edible root. Similarly, its ornamental potential and growing marketing have not been investigated in the region. The ecological knowledge of local populations, that have historically used and currently use this species, seems to be essential to promote the sustainable management and conservation of O. adenophylla in Patagonia.

Ethnoindicators of Environmental Change: Local Knowledge used for Rangeland Management Among Smallholders of Patagonia

Rangeland Ecology & Management, Sep 1, 2020

The current degradation crisis in arid and semiarid lands is creating severe economic and social ... more The current degradation crisis in arid and semiarid lands is creating severe economic and social difficulties, aggravating the food situation and greatly affecting the least developed countries and small farmers around the world. However, little attention has been given to the wealth of knowledge held by rural livestock farmers on this phenomenon, particularly those linked to environmental indicators. The objective of this work was to investigate plant attributes used by smallholders as ethnoindicators of short-and longterm environmental change. Using an ethnoecological approach, the study was carried out along with rural livestock smallholders who inhabit the central-northern Patagonian plateau. Open and semistructured interviews were carried out with 35 informants who were strongly associated with subsistence livestock farming. A total of 23 plant species were registered as being involved in detection of environmental change. The types of environmental change recorded were short term (such as droughts) and long term (such as desertification). These plants presented 14 different indicators, involving various life forms: gramineous or graminoid plants (65%), woody species (30%), and plants that are not gramineous or graminoid (5%). The plant community attributes that functioned as indicators were presence/absence of species, species abundance, and visible plant characteristics such as exposed roots, changes in plant architecture, and/or changes in phenology. The traits used as indicators provide complex information that is essential to the understanding of plant development and the structure and functioning of the managed ecosystem. Key lessons from this work include the following: The integration of plant ethnoindicators is important for the successful diagnosis and permanent monitoring of arid lands; and development plans incorporating indicators constructed with the involvement of the local people, as well as the rangeland professionals, must help to mobilize knowledge and practice on an equal basis.

Las aves en el patrimonio biocultural de los crianceros rurales del centro-norte de la Patagonia, Argentina

El Hornero, Aug 1, 2017

basado su supervivencia en múltiples estrategias, generando diversos vínculos vitales y recíproco... more basado su supervivencia en múltiples estrategias, generando diversos vínculos vitales y recíprocos con la fauna. Con el tiempo, muchas de estas familias mapuches, tehuelches y criollas han construido una identidad criancera que se crea y recrea en el presente. Habitan en establecimientos ganaderos de pequeña escala y poseen pequeñas majadas de ovinos y caprinos. Numerosas manifestaciones de su acervo biocultural pueden ser visibilizadas como patrimonio etnozoológico local, como lo son los múltiples conocimientos y expresiones culturales acerca de las aves. Se realizaron entrevistas abiertas y en profundidad a 20 crianceros de Sierra Rosada, Sierra Ventana y El Escorial. Parte del patrimonio biocultural ornitológico relevado refiere a 15 especies de aves silvestres y 1 domesticada, distinguiéndose una variedad de roles de índole material-simbólico, que incluye la obtención de distintas partes del cuerpo para ser usadas como alimento, medicina, elementos domésticos y adornos, siendo el Choique (Rhea pennata) la especie más versátil. Además, se destacan 11 especies anunciadoras de cambios en el clima o eventos sociales en la vida pastoril. En el patrimonio ornitológico local se evidencian imperativos éticos de alto valor para la conservación biocultural, por lo cual su valoración y difusión es esencial frente a los drásticos cambios ambientales y socio-culturales que experimenta la región.

Patagonian Ethnopedology and Its Role in Food Security: A Case Study of Rural Communities in Arid Environments of Argentina

Journal of Ethnobiology, May 29, 2023

Local knowledge of horticultural soils was analysed from an ethnobiological perspective in a rura... more Local knowledge of horticultural soils was analysed from an ethnobiological perspective in a rural population of arid Patagonian, in order to gain a deeper understanding of how the farmers classify, use and value the soil. In this large but sparsely populated territory, a group of 27 participants was selected. The farmers use an ethnoclassification system that distinguishes nine different soil types according to their horticultural aptitude. The classification criteria are based on the morphological attributes of the soil and certain ethnoindicators (i.e., texture, structure, colour and plant species present). All these aspects, evaluated within the framework of local symbolic and cultural precepts, proved to be key to the management of soils with pronounced edaphic and climatic limitations in terms of farming. Recognition of local knowledge and its contribution to dealing with current socioenvironmental challenges and crises may favour the design of more sustainable farming production in communities that are socio-environmentally vulnerable, considering the populations, soil, and culture as components of a complex integrated system, and not as isolated elements.

Una aproximación etnobotánica al uso y la conservación de leña en comunidades rurales de estepa

Resilience processes and positioning of agroecological farmers in an urban horticultural fair in northwest Patagonia

Ethnobotany Research and Applications, Jun 3, 2023

Background: Horticultural fairs are spaces that promote regional agrobiodiversity, transmitting a... more Background: Horticultural fairs are spaces that promote regional agrobiodiversity, transmitting and recreating multiple knowledge and emotions between horticulturists and customers. The adaptive processes by which fairs are sustained over time in the face of socio-economic, climatic, and sanitary changes are still little known. Considering the principles of socio-environmental resilience, the aims of this research were: 1) to analyze the positionings of horticulturists that favor the process of resilience in the Free Fair of Family Farmers from Nahuel Huapi, San Carlos de Bariloche (Patagonia, Argentina) and 2) to reflect on the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by this fair for its sustainability over time. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out that included interviews, participant observation, and virtual ethnography. Results: One hundred and eighty-six ethnospecies, mostly of exotic origin (99%) are part of the agrobiodiversity of the fair. The main principles that foster the resilience of the fair are: high agrobiodiversity and functional redundancy that reflect and promote local food customs; learning and connectivity for innovation and information exchange; and cooperation and adaptive systemic thinking based on experiences, attachment to the land, and reciprocity. The affective dimension crosses each of these principles, strengthening the cultural fabric of horticulturists and customers. However, the economic and cultural viability of the fair is uncertain, mainly due to the drastic socio-environmental changes that the region is experiencing. Conclusions: To reduce the vulnerabilities of the fair, it will be necessary to strengthen the principles mentioned above and to increase the participation of the broader levels of governance (technical and governmental sectors).

VANDEBROEK AT AL. Reshaping the future of ethnobiology research after the COVID-19 pandemic (2020)

by Andrea Pieroni, Ana H. Ladio, and Rainer W Bussmann