Study seeks to characterize vegetation to delineate wetlands in the Upper Tocantins Basin PAN

By Verônica Marques

Researchers carried out a scientific expedition between July 14 and 29, 2024 with the aim of hydrologically and ecologically characterizing the wetlands in the Upper Tocantins Basin. The action is part of the National Action Plan for the Conservation of the Endangered Flora of the Upper Tocantins Basin (PAN Upper Tocantins Basin), as part of the Pro-Species: Everyone against extinction project. This is the plan's third expedition to the region, which is entirely in the Cerrado biome, one of the richest in biodiversity in Brazil.

The Cerrado is home to some of Brazil's most important rivers. Of the country's twelve main hydrographic regions, eight have their sources in the region, which is why this biome is vital for the water security of the Brazilian population and the country's biodiversity. However, it is suffering the effects of climate change and the dramatic situation of fires.

In this scenario, the wetlands stand out, as they are home to rich vegetation, with a high incidence of endemic species, and unique macro-environments, such as the Murundus Fields. Murundus are hills that stratify the terrain, creating conditions for other plants to establish their roots in soils that are not completely waterlogged. In this way, these ecosystems favor an increase in diversity, allowing species of different sizes and habits to establish themselves.

The expedition was led by Suelma Ribeiro Silva, from the National Center for Research and Conservation in Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration (CBC/ICMBio), with the participation of Marcelo Brilhante de Medeiros (Embrapa-Cenargen), Aílton Carneiro de Oliveira (CBC/ICMBio) and Henrique Torres Santos (CBC/ICMBio Pro-Species scholarship holder). The team focused its activities on a private property and the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, in Goiás, collecting rare and threatened species, as well as mapping areas of Murundus Fields, identifying growing risks of invasion by exotic species.

Based on the results of the expedition, the researchers intend to establish permanent plots to monitor the impacts of hydrological changes on the demography of species that live in flooded environments. In addition, two books for scientific dissemination are being prepared: one on the flora of wetlands and the other focused specifically on the Murundus Fields.

The team came back enthusiastic about the results, recognizing the importance of the progress made for the conservation of endangered species in the Cerrado. More than that, they understood their role in the critical scenario facing the biome. Addressing this context, Suelma pointed out:

“The Murundus Fields in the Upper Tocantins Basin are facing serious impacts, especially due to fires caused by unsustainable agricultural and livestock practices. These fires result in the destruction of essential habitats, leading to the loss of biodiversity and compromising the region's environmental resilience. In addition, the local population has little knowledge of the importance and benefits of these ecosystems, which exacerbates the situation. The degradation of these grasslands not only reduces biological diversity, but also increases vulnerability to extreme weather events. It is therefore essential to implement sustainable management strategies and protection policies that guarantee the conservation of these unique ecosystems and their rich biodiversity, while raising community awareness of their importance."

PAN Upper Tocantins Basin

The Upper Tocantins Basin PAN was formalized in JBRJ Ordinance No. 15, of June 6, 2023, and will run until 2028. The aim is to expand conservation measures for target species, environments and the maintenance of ecosystem services over 5 years, with the involvement of society as a whole.

The plan establishes 24 conservation actions, divided into four specific objectives, covering topics such as Research and Monitoring, Training and Communication, Management and Conservation, and Public Policies, with a focus on 98 species of flora, 14 of which are classified in the “Critically Endangered” (CR) category, 58 in the “Endangered” (EN) category and 26 in the “Vulnerable” (VU) category. There are also 29 species classified in the “Near Threatened” (NT) category and 15 in the “Insufficient Data” (DD) category. The PAN territory covers part of the state of Goiás and the Federal District.

The Upper Tocantins Basin PAN is coordinated by the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden Research Institute (JBRJ), through the Project Coordination Center Strategies for the Conservation of Endangered Flora (NuEC) of the National Center for Flora Conservation (CNCFlora). The plan is monitored and followed up by the Technical Advisory Group (GAT) set up by JBRJ Personnel Ordinance No. 66 of June 6, 2023. The coordination and execution of conservation actions is carried out by more than 100 collaborators representing institutions from different sectors of society.

For more information on the Upper Tocantins Basin PAN, visit the link.

https://www.gov.br/jbrj/pt-br/assuntos/conservacao/cncflora-site/nucleo-estrategias-para-conservacao-da-flora-ameacada-de-extincao/pan-bacia-do-alto-tocantins