Placing Brazil's grasslands and savannas on the map of science and conservation

Research output: Journal contributionsScientific review articlesResearch

Authors

  • Gerhard Ernst Overbeck
  • Eduardo Vélez-Martin
  • Luciana da Silva Menezes
  • Madhur Anand
  • Santiago Baeza
  • Marcos B. Carlucci
  • Michele S. Dechoum
  • Giselda Durigan
  • Alessandra Fidelis
  • Anaclara Guido
  • Marcelo Freire Moro
  • Cássia Beatriz Rodrigues Munhoz
  • Marcelo Reginato
  • Rodrigo Schütz Rodrigues
  • Milena Fermina Rosenfield
  • Alexandre B. Sampaio
  • Fernando Henrique Barbosa da Silva
  • Fernando A.O. Silveira
  • Ênio Egon Sosinski
  • Ingmar R. Staude
  • Caroline Turchetto
  • Joseph W. Veldman
  • Pedro L. Viana
  • Daniela C. Zappi
  • Sandra C. Müller

In Brazil, the country with the highest plant species richness in the world, biodiverse savannas and grasslands – i.e., grassy ecosystems, which occupy 27% of the country – have historically been neglected in conservation and scientific treatments. Reasons for this neglect include misconceptions about the characteristics and dynamics of these ecosystems, as well as inconsistent or regionally restricted terminology that impeded a more adequate communication about Brazil's savannas and grasslands, both within the country and internationally. Toward improved communication and recognition of Brazil's diversity of ecosystems, we present the key drivers that control the main types of grassy ecosystems across Brazil (including in regions of the country where forests dominate). In doing so, we synthesize the main features of each grassy ecosystem in terms of physiognomy and ecological dynamics (e.g., relationships with herbivores and fire). We propose a terminology both for major grassland regions and for regionally relevant vegetation physiognomies. We also discuss terms associated with human land management and restoration of grassy ecosystems. Finally, we suggest key research needs to advance our understanding of the ecology and conservation values of Brazil's grassy ecosystems. We expect that a common and shared terminology and understanding, as proposed here, will stimulate more integrative research that will be fundamental to developing improved conservation and restoration strategies.

Original languageEnglish
Article number125687
JournalPerspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics
Volume56
ISSN1433-8319
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.09.2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Elsevier GmbH

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