The Lavrados of Roraima: Biodiversity and Conservation of Brazil's Amazonian Savannas

Abstract

The savannas (lavrados) of Roraima are located in the far northern portion of the Brazilian Amazon and are part of the “Savannas of Guyana” ecoregion of the Amazonian Biome. They cover an area of approximately 43,358 km 2 , or 70% of the total area of savannas that straddle the borders of Brazil, Guyana and Venezuela. This ecoregion contains diverse types of phytophysionomies forming a mosaic of non-forest (open areas) and forest ecosystems associated with different soil types, altitudinal gradients and climates. This diversification of ecosystems generates a great heterogeneity of habitats and is reflected in the diversity of plants and animals. The few existing studies of biological diversity are almost all concentrated along the main highways and therefore fail to indicate the true magnitude of the biodiversity of Roraima’s savannas. In spite of Brazilian authorities having classified these ecosystems as having extremely high priority for conservation, no protected areas exist in the savannas of Roraima. However, 57.3% are protected in the form of Indigenous Lands. Large rural properties and settlements occupy 19.4% of the total area. The number of settlements in these savannas can be expected to increase significantly in the coming years due to legal impediments to creation of settlements in forest areas in Amazonia and due to the expansion of soy production, irrigated rice and commercial tree plantations in the state. It is estimated that 23.3% of the savanna area in Roraima is still available for creation of conservation areas.