Editorial note

Abstract

The Biodiversity Global Assessment, 2006, states that loss of terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity, risk of extinction for many species, and fragmentation of forests and rivers are increasing at a fast rate. Moreover, the interaction of the loss of services of ecosystems and its impacts on humans' well being are still not yet well understood: this occurs on a global scale, but also to a great extent in the neotropics. The Brazilian Journal of Biology, dedicated to the publication of scientific papers on the biology of the neotropics, is preparing a special volume on the "Biodiversity in the Neotropics: Mechanisms, functions, conservation and recovery". Papers dealing with this subject will be welcomed by the Journal. Protection and conservation of biodiversity can only be achieved with a strong scientific basis. This is how, we think, the Brazilian Journal of Biology, can contribute to the improvement of the knowledge and its applications.