The importance of eucalyptus plantations in biodiversity conservation

Abstract

In last decades, the increase of Eucalyptus plantations was relevant in Brazil, especially in the global scenario. Several studies showed that these cultures, especially those guaranteed by certification mechanisms, can bring social and environmental benefits. This paper presents data collected in the period 2002-2011, where we show richness data of plants, birds and mammals in eucalyptus plantation farms in Brazil. It is discussed the importance of these areas to biodiversity conservation, where have been recorded 1,320, 620 and 55 species of woody plants, birds and medium and large mammals, respectively. It was registered the occurrence of endangered plant species in the plantations understory: Araucaria angustifolia, Couratari asterotricha, Buchenavia hoehneana, Dalbergia nigra, Ocotea catharinensis and Ocotea porosa. It was also registered the presence of threatened species:crowned eagle (Urubitinga coronata), red-browed parrot (Amazona rhodochorytha), maned-wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) and tapir (Tapirus terrestris). Plantations and forest fragments occupied by secondary vegetation will be among the main elements of future forest landscape. Thus, we cannot neglect the contribution of eucalyptus plantations on biodiversity conservation.