Data represent the proportion of edible wild species used for specific parts. These groups depend entirely on the forest for their existence. They use arrow poisons, known as curare, such as Chondrodendron tomentosum , to hunt and kill fish and other animals, for their skins and meat. There is never any wastage, and they never take more than they need, which sustains the balance. The forests are rich in vegetation which produce countless fruit and vegetables to eat.
Many tribes actually grow plantations close to their dwellings.
The Yanomami of Brazil grow about 60 crops, of which only 20 are used for food. The other 40 or so are used as medicines, tools, household goods and in religious ceremonies. The latter is very important as the communication with the spirit world is essential to these people. It is a very different world from our Westernized civilization. Their trees are blessed with spirits, and animals are endowed with magical powers.