A conservation agenda for the Pantanal's biodiversity

Abstract

The Pantanal's biodiversity constitutes a valuable natural resource, in economic, cultural, recreational, aesthetic, scientific and educational terms. The vegetation plus the seasonal productivity support a diverse and abundant fauna. Many endangered species occur in the region, and waterfowl are exceptionally abundant during the dry season. Losses of biodiversity and its associated natural habitats within the Pantanal occur as a result of unsustainable land use. Implementation of protected areas is only a part of the conservation strategy needed. We analyse biodiversity threats to the biome under seven major categories: 1) conversion of natural vegetation into pasture and agricultural crops, 2) destruction or degradation of habitat mainly due to wild fire, 3) overexploitation of species mainly by unsustainable fishing, 4) water pollution, 5) river flow modification with implantation of small hydroelectric plants, 6) unsustainable tourism, and 7) introduction of invasive exotic species.

Camera traps as a tool for Carnivore conservation in a mosaic of Protected Areas in the Pantanal wetlands, Brazil

“…Implementation of protected areas in localities possessing relevant biological attributes has been one of the main strategies for safeguarding biodiversity (Alho & Sabino, 2011;Lourival et al, 2011). In an attempt to protect this greatly biodiverse biome, some landowners have joined forces to create an informal mosaic of protected areas called the «Network for Protection and Conservation of Amolar Mountain Ridge».…”

Diversidade de anfíbios do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

“…Dessa maneira, períodos de seca que se prolonguem por vários meses em anos consecutivos podem limitar a disponibilidade de água em determinados períodos, dificultando assim a presença de animais dependentes de ambientes úmidos e alagados como os anfíbios. Além disso, sabe-se que a planície é (e será) influenciada pelo uso e gestão das áreas dos rios que drenam para o Pantanal, localizadas no planalto e mesmo nos estados limítrofes ao Mato Grosso do Sul (ver discussão em Alho & Sabino, 2011).…”

First records and distribution extensions of ericrocidine and epeoline bees (Apidae, Apinae and Nomadinae) in the Brazilian Pantanal

“…At approximately 150,000 km 2 , the Pantanal is the world's largest floodplain and an important ecosystem for the conservation of biodiveristy (Harris et al 2005, Zedler and Kercher 2005, Keddy 2010, Alho and Sabino 2011. However, this is an area where little is known about the bee fauna.…”