BRA

Brazil is the most biologically diverse country in the world, classified as a megadiverse country. It contains two biodiversity hotspots, six terrestrial biomes and three large marine ecosystems. At least 103,870 animal species and 43,020 plant species are currently know in Brazil, comprising 70% of the world’s catalogued animal and plant species. Brazil’s catelogues biodiversity is ever-expanding, with an average of 700 new animal species discovered each year.mIt is estimated that Brazil hosts the greatest number of endemic species on a global scale. Brazil also harbours the largest continuous stretch of mangroves in the world and the only reef environments of the South Atlantic.

The main threats to biodiversity in Brazil are: fragmentation and loss of habitats, alien species, exotic illnesses, overexploitation of plants and animals, the agro-industry, pollution, and climate change. Habitat loss is by far the most significant issue driving species towards threatened status. To combat this, there are now a total of 3,201 protected areas in Brazil, covering 30.28% of terrestrial land area and 26.82% of marine area. These PAs come under all the IUCN management categories, and are under (sub) national ministry or indigenous people governance.