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We review published, unpublished, and self-generated information related to the selective extraction of varas (stakes orsupport poles), and identify some potential effects of the removal of this non-timber forest product on the plant diversity, structureand regeneration of the tropical deciduous forests in Mexico. The varas in highest demand belong to a group of species of Croton(Euphorbiaceae), commercially known as vara blanca, which are widely used as stakes to support plants in horticultural fi elds.Three economic sectors are involved in the extraction of the vara resource: cutters, contractors, and intermediaries. The intermediaries,who are responsible for marketing the stakes, earn the largest revenues. Technical regulations in Mexico govern the extractionof varas, but they lack sound guidelines that will lead to sustainable use of the resource. Our studies in the Chamela region inJalisco show that repeated extraction reduces species richness, modifi es the structure of the plant community, and increases the relativedominance of Croton septemnervius at the expense of other tree species. Furthermore, after the stakes are cut for harvesting,its vegetative regeneration is limited. The stumps and sprouts exhibit high mortality (> 70%), and the sprouts that survive growslowly. In order to achieve long-term sustainable management of this forest product, the quality, specifi city, and enforcement of themanagement guidelines require immediate improvement. Also, interdisciplinary studies of tropical deciduous forests managementencompassing ecological and socio-economic interactions are urgently needed.

La extracción selectiva de vara para uso hortícola en México: Implicaciones para la conservación del bosque tropical caducifolio y sus recursos