A study by the University of São Paulo shows that expansion of cattle ranching to meet growing domestic demand has contributed more than any other driver to the elimination or degradation of the Amazon’s original vegetation, followed by expanding croplands and urbanization.
Researchers affiliated with the FAPESP Research Program on Global Climate Change met at the State University of Campinas in Brazil to discuss current research priorities in the effort to understand and combat the consequences of the extreme events caused by global warming.
A study conducted by Brazilian scientists and colleagues in other countries shows that earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions increase the risk of extinction for mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The natural events may have synergies with hazards due to human activity.
A report by an international group of researchers including three Brazilians shows that climate change tripled the probability of weather conditions favoring unprecedented wildfires in Canada and multiplied it by a factor of 20 in western Amazonia between March 2023 and February 2024. Global carbon emissions were 16% above average.
Salvator merianae, a giant tegu lizard endemic to South America, regulates its own body temperature during the mating season without relying on external heat and without shivering. Experiments conducted by researchers at São Paulo State University pointed to rising levels and activity of mitochondria in skeletal muscle as the basis for this endothermic ability.
The study investigated the effect of two concentrations of smoke on seeds of 44 species typical of the Brazilian savanna-like biome. The results could be used in management and restoration strategies.
Researchers at the State University of Campinas and collaborators analyzed data from 82 areas of the Brazilian savanna biome located in five states and the Federal District. The results showed that recovering the biome’s extraordinary diversity requires a combination of several restoration techniques as well as conservation of what has not yet been destroyed.
A study shows that ritual dances and other displays in which workers select future queens with optimal reproductive capacity are found among all representatives of this group of wasps.
Researchers in Brazil compared leaf damage caused by insects and pathogens in areas with and without the presence of mammals such as tapirs, deer and peccaries. Absence of the animals led to loss of microorganisms that cause leaf disease, potentially affecting long-term eco-evolutionary processes and reducing biodiversity in tropical forests.
The increase was confirmed by an analysis of satellite images, contrasting with a drop in deforestation and the total number of fires detected in the Amazon. The Brazilian government’s center for forest fire prevention says it is partnering with other institutions to combat wildfires in the region.
A study conducted over a period of 14 years in the Brazilian savanna-like biome shows its typical vegetation rapidly becoming ‘cerradão’ – a biodiversity-poor forest formation – while resistance to drought and wildfires weakens.
The researchers trained computer vision models to identify Brazilian mammals must susceptible to roadkill in real time and are partnering with toll road operators to test the system in real-world situations.
For the first time in South America, researchers recorded the use of ultrasound by a frog endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil, which has more species of amphibians than any other country. Other frogs may use very high-frequency calls for the same purpose.
The number may be an underestimate in light of gaps in studies of the problem, according to the authors of a report issued by the Brazilian Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.
An analysis of occurrence records for ten lizard and snake species found in three South American biomes – the Caatinga and Cerrado in Brazil and the Chaco in Argentina and Paraguay – showed that rising temperatures in the coming decades could lead to extinction in some cases and drastic habitat loss in others. The authors advocate an increase in full-protection conservation units suited to these animals.
Farmers in the Paraíba Valley region of São Paulo state received economic incentives such as payment for environmental services to adopt conservation practices and protect native vegetation.
A research project led by the State University of Campinas investigated how manipulation of native species in this Brazilian savanna-like biome can prevent reinvasion of restored areas by exotic grasses. The results emphasize the importance of fostering species diversity.
The event, which is supported by FAPESP, is for young researchers and environmental technicians. Thirty applicants from Brazil and 30 from other countries will be selected.
With the new contributions from abroad, the Scientific Expeditions call, issued in partnership with the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, now has a fund totaling some BRL 94 million.
The study analyzed data for 13 Atlantic Rainforest restoration areas involving ten species of native trees that could be commercially useful to the timber industry. Publication of the findings comes during the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
A study published in the journal Science shows for the first time the degree of threat to all tree species in the biome, classifying 65% as vulnerable or endangered to some extent. According to the authors, their findings are conservative – the actual situation could be even more alarming.
Surveys conducted in the Cerrado since the 1990s show falling biodiversity as the agricultural frontier advances in the vicinity of Emas National Park. Species with biotechnological potential are dwindling and even disappearing.
A study conducted in sustainable-use reserves shows that local game species become less abundant about 5 kilometers away from the nearest human community, but the negative effects of anthropic activity can be mitigated by appropriate management strategies.
Plant species native to the Brazilian savanna-like biome grow thick bark to protect their internal tissues and hide organs that assure resprouting below the ground, according to an article in Flora by researchers at São Paulo State University.
The findings evidenced high susceptibility to climate change by 2050 in 15%-18% of the areas with the most neglected biodiversity.
