Scientific expedition in the Cerrado of Goiás contributes to the conservation of endangered species in the PAN Upper Tocantins Basin

Researchers from the Brasília Botanical Garden (JBB) carried out a scientific expedition between September 16 and 20, 2024, focused on collecting botanical material and mapping populations of endangered plants in the Cerrado of Goiás. 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) and was made possible by the National Center for Flora Conservation of the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden Research Institute (CNCFlora/JBRJ) with funds from the Pro-Species: Everyone against extinction project. This was the third expedition carried out under this action plan.

Recognized as the “cradle of waters”, the Cerrado is home to high biodiversity and a large number of endemic species, but it is also one of Brazil's most threatened biomes. The pressure caused by agricultural activities, mining ventures and fires results in the loss of habitats and species, often before they are even known about. This context reinforces the importance of initiatives such as these expeditions, which are essential for cataloging, documenting and conserving the biome's threatened plant species.

The team responsible for the expedition was made up of Priscila Oliveira Rosa, Maria Rosa Vargas Zanatta (both collaborators of the PAN Upper Tocantins Basin), Dayse de Melo Silva and André Cardoso dos Santos. The group traveled along the route Brasília (DF), Planaltina de Goiás, Água Fria de Goiás, Niquelândia, Cocalzinho de Goiás, Pirenópolis and Vila Propício (Goiás), trying to identify and collect the target species for conservation in the Upper Tocantins Basin PAN.

 During the journey, significant challenges were faced. In Vila Propício, areas where PAN target species occur were being explored for limestone, where dynamite blasting activities threatened the local vegetation. Some of the plants were rescued by the team before the destruction and sent for cultivation at the JBB, preventing their total loss. The team also noted the impact of severe fires during the prolonged dry season, which was one of the most intense in recent years. Another difficulty was the denial of access to private areas or those belonging to large companies, which limited the cataloging of the target species of the PAN Upper Tocantins Basin and made it impossible to keep up-to-date records of historical collections.

Limestone extraction in Vila Propício - GO | Photo: Priscila Oliveira

Even in the face of adversity, the expedition was successful. 130 botanical specimens were collected, including eight of the PAN's target species. The samples were added to the scientific collection of the Ezechias Paulo Heringer Herbarium (HEPH) and duplicates sent to the RB Herbarium at JBRJ. In addition, 11 live plants (10 bromeliads and one cactus) were sent to the JBB's Live Plant Collections, ensuring the continuity of studies and conservation actions.

Priscila Oliveira Rosa, Director of Vegetation and Flora at the JBB and a member of the PAN's Technical Advisory Group, commented on the severity of the drought: “It was a very severe and prolonged dry season, and it is known that plants wait for the rain in order to form fruit, but they were stunted, unable to flower or bear fruit.” She also highlighted the importance of the expedition during this period, as it allowed her to observe unusual climatic changes for this time of year and obtain relevant information for conservation.

The results obtained reinforce the importance of studying the Cerrado at different times of the year. “In order to get to know the Cerrado, it's important to inventory its flora at all times of the year. Even at the height of the dry season, there are plants blooming and fulfilling their role of providing resources for the ecosystem to function. Improving our knowledge of the biome is essential for its preservation,” concluded Priscila.

Team rescuing flora for cultivation at the Botanical Garden of Brasilia | Photo: Priscila Oliveira

The data and experiences obtained during the expedition will be fundamental in supporting future actions within the scope of the Upper Tocantins Basin PAN, strengthening efforts to conserve the Cerrado and its threatened flora.

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 five 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 Coordination of Strategic Projects for the Conservation of Endangered Species (COESC) 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.

Access more information about the PAN Upper Tocantins Basin.