facts about the Atlantic Forests of Brazil
01.Highest in diversity count on our Planet
The Atlantic Forests of Brazil has a higher flora and fauna diversity than the Amazon Rain Forests, in fact it has a higher count of species diversity per hectare than any other natural environment on the planet.
More than 450 species per hectare
One can find up to 450 different species of trees per hectare in an Atlantic forests.
High rate of endemism
Up to 60% of the fauna of the Atlantic Forests of Brazil are unique to their habitat, and cannot be recreated in any other place on Earth.
Crittically endangered
Many of these species, unique to the Atlantic Forests of Brazil, are critically endangered.
High rate of Extinction
Nearly 50% of the unique species to the Atlantic Forests have already gone extinct due to human activities over the past 500 year, of which the last century has been the most destructive era to the forests.
Threatening by destruction and fragmentation
Currently, over 11.000 species are considered threatened due to destruction and fragmentation of habitat.
The most threatened of all forests
The Atlantic Forests of Brazil are considered to be one of the most threatened forests on our planet. 33% of its species will be lost without intervention, due to fragmentation.
Despite of all the most diverse
Yet the Atlantic Forests of Brazil are still our planet's most biologically diverse ecosystem.
Extreme importance of conservation and reforestation
The conservation of the Atlantic Forests of Brazil is fundamental, in order to prevent further land erosion and land degradation. To protect watersheds in order to guarantee drinking water supplies for growing coastal populations and to prevent further silting of rivers, which are damaging for the future navigability of Brazil's rivers and its overall economy. To prevent damages to coral reefs, caused by soil erosion and sediment pollution.
High potential for medicine
The Atlantic Forests of Brazil might harbor a vast source of proteins still unknown to medicine, which might be the only viable cure to several diseases that plague humanity and livestock.
The importance of co-existance of species and diversity
Many species depend on other species in their ability to sustain a healthy habitat. The maintenance of high levels of diversity amongst species is essential to a healthy environment. It could lead to a cascading failure, if a single specie fails to propagate, in which, eventually, most species will be lost in that specific area.