Brazil
Discolouring the Amazon Rainforest: how deforestation is affecting butterfly colorationBackgroundButterflies are among the most colorful organisms in the world, and color plays a central role in many of their life-history strategies. However, sudden environmental changes, including anthropogenic disturbances such as habitat loss and fragmentation, could affect the efficacy of coloration strategies in these and other animals. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how deforestation is affecting butterfly coloration in the Amazon Rainforest and to provide insights into the potential consequences of anthropogenic disturbances on these beautiful creatures. Available with subscription or purchase |
The effect of ecological restoration methods on carbon stocks in the Brazilian Atlantic ForestBackgroundThere is a critical need for effective ecological restoration strategies in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, one of the most threatened biodiversity hotspots globally, with extensive areas degraded due to human activities such as deforestation and land use change. Especifically, to understanding how different restoration methods impact carbon sequestration in this ecosystem and promote the recovery of this vital ecosystem. Available with subscription or purchase |
Direct seeded and colonizing species guarantee successful early restoration of South Amazon forestsBackgroundSouth Amazon forests have been highly deforested, including the legally protected riparian forests. Direct seeding is a low cost method, easy-to-implement at large scale. The authors emphasize the imperative to reduce the costs and enhance the outcomes of restoration efforts, which have become mainstream solutions in countering biodiversity loss and climate change around the world. Available with subscription or purchase |
An overview of forest loss and restoration in the Brazilian AmazonBackground:The accelerated process of forest loss and degradation in the Brazilian Amazon began in the 1970s due to government-promoted economic development initiatives. This led to significant deforestation, with approximately 20% (780,967 km2) of the region being affected . Nevertheless, the region still lacks scientific studies that reinforce the choice of best practices for forest restoration, and the information currently available is not enough to quantify what has already been recovered or the potential area to be restored. Available with subscription or purchase |
Evaluating the success of direct seeding for tropical forest restoration over ten yearsBackgroundThe main causes of deforestation in the Amazon are large-scale agriculture and cattle ranching, which have led to the loss of millions of hectares of forest. To address this issue, different mechanisms have been implemented since 2005 to reduce deforestation and increase forest restoration. However, highly modified, degraded areas with a long history of use may take a long time to regenerate naturally or may not recover into a secondary forest. Therefore, active restoration methods are needed to accomplish this massive obligation. Available with subscription or purchase |
Tree Communities in Three-Year-Old Post-Mining Sites Under Different Forest Restoration Techniques in the Brazilian AmazonBackground:Mining has been identified as a major contributor to forest loss, leading to the need for effective restoration techniques in post-mining sites. In this context, the knowledge of floristic composition is crucial for managing natural regeneration, selecting species for restoration plantings, and aiding conservation programs of threatened plant species. One well-known example of mining impacts on the Amazon rainforest vegetation is located in the Paragominas municipality, Pará, Brazil. Open access copy available |
Mining in the Amazon: Importance, impacts, and challenges to restore degraded ecosystems. Are we on the right way?Background:With mining playing a significant role in the economies of Amazonian countries, there is a growing urgency to understand, mitigate, and restore the degraded ecosystems that result from these mining operations. These tasks present a complex set of challenges, including technological limitations, legal inconsistencies, and a shortage of qualified professionals. Available with subscription or purchase |
Slowing Amazon Deforestation through Public Policy and Interventions in Beef and Soy Supply ChainsBackground:The process of deforestation, involving the extensive removal of mature forest, witnessed a notable decline, plummeting from a 10-year average of 19,500 km2 up to 2005 to 5843 in 2013—a remarkable 70% reduction. This reduction is believed to have initiated a chain reaction of positive consequences, including a diminished risk of regional rainfall inhibition, fewer alterations in river discharge and sedimentation, and an upswing in biodiversity conservation. Available with subscription or purchase |
Exotic Eucalypts: From Demonized Trees to Allies of Tropical Forest Restoration?Background:Timber, being a product in high demand globally, presents a lucrative market opportunity, and restoration efforts could potentially generate income through the targeted extraction of this material. While the incorporation of commercially valuable exotic trees might incentivize farmers to participate in restoration projects, it raises significant ecological concerns among experts. Available with subscription or purchase |
Deforestation-Induced Climate Change Reduces Carbon Storage in Remaining Tropical ForestsBackground:Deforestation of tropical forests alters the biophysical properties of the forest's surface, which contributes to regional warming and drying. These environmental changes, in turn, could impact non-degraded forests, reducing the rates of photosynthesis and increasing the release of carbon through autotrophic respiration, as well as the risk of a wildfire. Consequently, it is important to improve the accuracy of carbon and climate benefits of a land management action (e.g., avoided deforestation) to enable a more effective valuation of the carbon credits issued for a specific project. Open access copy available |
