Climate Change Threatens Neotropical Species of High Economic and Cultural Value

A study recently published in the journal Ecology and Evolution, led by researchers from the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (JBRJ), warns of the serious impacts that climate change may have on species of the genus Dipteryx of the legume family (Fabaceae). Naturally distributed across different South American biomes, including the Amazon, Cerrado, and Caatinga, these trees, popularly known as cumaru, baru, or bat nut, are recognized not only for their ecological relevance but also for their high economic and cultural value.

Using ecological niche modeling with climate projections for the coming decades, the research estimates drastic habitat losses for several species of the genus, which could compromise local production chains, the food security of traditional communities, and the ecological balance of tropical forests. This is an important warning about how global climate change can directly affect species that sustain livelihoods and cultural identities in the most biodiverse regions of the planet.

Plants that Feed, Heal, and Sustain

Dipteryx species occupy a central place in the lives of indigenous communities and traditional populations, who extract fruits and seeds from them for food, medicinal preparations, and income generation through sale in local and regional markets. At the same time, these trees are widely exploited by the timber industry due to their hard, highly durable wood, which is highly valued for construction and furniture.

According to the study's estimates, the economic losses associated with the reduction of areas suitable for these species could exceed US$597 billion in future climate scenarios, revealing that environmental impacts also have profound repercussions on the economy.

“For a long time, it was believed that only one species, Dipteryx odorata, was used for both wood and seed collection, which masked the exploitation of other equally important species,” explains botanist Catarina de Carvalho, a postdoctoral researcher at JBRJ and lead author of the study. “Our work helps to correct this misconception, providing a more accurate view of the distribution and vulnerability of all species of the genus.”

The Climate of the Future and the Future of Forests

Ecological modeling applied in the research reveals that species with more restricted geographic distribution are among the most vulnerable to changes in the climate regime. One example is Dipteryx lacunifera, native to the Caatinga, which may lose up to 40% of its potential area of occurrence in the next two decades. Although Amazonian species have shown greater resilience in some scenarios, they face a dangerous combination of threats: in addition to climate change, there is the advance of deforestation, selective exploitation, and increasingly frequent forest fires.

“The Amazon is home to extraordinary biodiversity, with countless species of ecological and economic importance,” says researcher Domingos Cardoso, also from JBRJ and co-author of the study. "Studies like this are essential for predicting the future of domesticated plant species of high socioeconomic value in the Amazon, such as cupuaçu (Theobroma grandilorum), cassava (Manihot esculenta), Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa), açaí (Euterpe oleracea), and peach palm (Bactris gasipaes)—all of which are sensitive to environmental changes and associated with the well-being of millions of people."

Science Informing Conservation

In addition to future simulations (2021–2040), the study also analyzed the impact of past climate events, such as the Last Glacial Maximum, to better understand the evolutionary resilience of these trees over time. The main conclusion is that the conservation of Dipteryx depends on maintaining healthy ecosystems, with connected and sustainably managed forests, as well as integrated actions between countries that share the biomes where these species occur.

"Since 2016, we have been researching the taxonomy and evolution of species of the genus Dipteryx, and today we are beginning to see concrete advances toward their conservation, such as the conservation status assessment carried out by CNCFlora (National Center for Flora Conservation), the recent inclusion of Amazonian species in Appendix II of CITES — which lists species that may become endangered if international trade is not properly regulated —, and the preparation of the non-detriment finding by IBAMA" (available at: https://www.ibama.gov.br/component/legislacao/?view=legislacao&legislacao=139446), highlights Catarina de Carvalho.

With support from FAPERJ (processes E-26/200.379/2025, E-26/200.380/2025, and E-26/200.153/2023), FAPEAM (process 01.02.016301.00757/2022-50) and CNPq (314187/2021-9), the study reinforces the urgency of public policies that articulate biodiversity conservation and scientific knowledge. At a time when the world is seeking solutions to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis, the study highlights the role of science as an ally in building a more just and sustainable future for tropical forests and the people who depend on them.