BR

Brazil harbors the world's largest tropical rainforest and most biodiverse ecosystems, spanning the Amazon Basin, Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica), Cerrado savanna, Pantanal wetlands, and Caatinga dry forests. The country contains approximately 60% of the Amazon rainforest and hosts an estimated 15-20% of global biodiversity. According to IUCN Red List 2025 data, all 73 assessed species are critically endangered, representing a biodiversity crisis of unprecedented scale. The Amazon faces severe deforestation pressure from cattle ranching, soy cultivation, and infrastructure development, while the Atlantic Forest retains only 12% of original coverage due to urbanization and agriculture. The Cerrado experiences rapid conversion for agribusiness, losing native vegetation faster than the Amazon. Illegal mining in indigenous territories, particularly affecting the Yanomami lands, compounds habitat destruction. Climate change intensifies drought cycles, increasing wildfire frequency across multiple biomes. Brazil's environmental policies have fluctuated significantly, with recent years showing both protective measures and regulatory rollbacks. The situation remains highly dynamic, with conservation outcomes closely tied to political leadership and international pressure. Indigenous territories serve as crucial biodiversity refuges, covering 13% of national territory and maintaining some of the best-preserved ecosystems.

Source: IUCN Red List 2025-2, GBIF, national survey data