BRAZIL'S ATLANTIC RAINFOREST

Uploaded on Apr 27, 2010

 

See primates, birds and butterflies in the remaining stands of Brazil's endangered tropical Atlantic Forest. The Atlantic Forest harbors a range of biodiversity that rivals the Amazon, but after centuries of depletion, just 12 of the forest survives. See how The Nature Conservancy is leading a wide range of partners in an effort to restore one billion native trees to this highly endangered forest.

To learn more about Brazils Atlantic Forest, visit:

  http://www.nature.org/wherewework/sou...

A Golden Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) from the Atlantic Forest, Brazil

© CI/Photo by Haroldo Castro

 

The Atlantic Forest of tropical South America boasts 20,000 plant species, 40 percent of which are endemic. Yet, less than 10 percent of the forest remains.

More than two dozen Critically Endangered vertebrate species are clinging to survival in the region, including three species of lion tamarins and six bird species that are restricted to the small patch of forest near the Murici Ecological Station in northeastern Brazil.
With almost 950 kinds of birds occurring in this hotspot, there are many unique species including the red-billed curassow, the Brazilian merganser, and numerous threatened parrot species. Beginning with sugarcane plantations and later, coffee plantations, this region has been losing habitat for hundreds of years. Now, with the increased expansion of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, the Atlantic Forest is facing severe pressure from the issues tied to urbanization.

For just one dollar, you can help restore Brazils Atlantic Forest! Visit http://www.plantabillion.org to make a difference.