Changing the Course of Biodiversity Conservation in the Caatinga of Northeastern Brazil

TLDR

The Caatinga, covering 735,000 km², hosts over 2,000 vascular plant species and diverse fauna, yet only <1 % of its area is strictly protected and endemism ranges from 7 % to 57 %. The study aims to design a conservation strategy that prevents habitat loss and desertification, sustains ecological services for rural livelihoods, and promotes sustainable use of the Caatinga’s natural resources. The authors propose a strategy that integrates habitat protection, ecological service maintenance, and sustainable resource use to achieve these goals. The analysis shows that inappropriate land use has already caused significant environmental damage and accelerated desertification, threatening roughly 15 % of the Caatinga.

Abstract

Abstract: The 735,000‐km 2 Caatinga is a mosaic of thorn scrub and seasonally dry forests, with more than 2000 species of vascular plants, fishes, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Endemism in these groups varies from 7% to 57%. Inappropriate land use has already caused serious environmental damage and accelerating desertification, which is currently threatening about 15% of the region. Moreover, the rich and diversified biota of the Caatinga is poorly protected: only 11 reserves (&lt;1% of the region) are strictly protected areas. A conservation strategy for the Caatinga biota should be designed to (1) avoid further habitat loss and desertification, (2) maintain key ecological services necessary for improving the living standards of the rural population, and (3) promote the sustainable use of the region's natural resources. Implementing an effective conservation agenda for the Caatinga is not an easy task but, with creativity and consistent financial support, it should be possible to nurture this unique biome and guarantee the preservation of its rich and diversified fauna and flora, and, with this, the well‐being of its rural populations.