The Nature Conservancy in Brazil

The Caatinga

The Caatinga is a semi-arid scrub forest situated in the northeast of Brazil. It is extremely rich in natural resources but when compared to the rain forests there is little available information on its biodiversity. The Caatinga is so altered that only a few ecologically important examples of natural habitat remain. The most amazing fact is the Caatinga is unique to Brazil yet only 1% of its habitats are protected.

Location
The Caatinga occupies 11% of the Brazilian territory stretching across 300,000 square miles of the subequatorial zone.

Major Habitat Type
Deserts Xeric Shrub

Animals
Animal life in the Caatinga has been adversely affected by hunting and human occupation. Many species have become extinct locally, while others, such as the three-banded armadillo, collared anteater, jaguar and robust tufted capuchin, endure in reduced numbers. Bird species in the Caatinga include:

     • Cactus parakeet
     • Lear's macaw
     • Long-billed wren
     • Scarlet-throated tanager
     • Yellow-faced siskin

Why the Conservancy Works Here
The Caatinga is one of the most populated semi-arid regions in the world and its human occupation dates back to pre-historic times. Rudimentary agriculture and the intense use of natural resources have increased degradation of the land. The Conservancy is the only international conservation organization currently working in the Caatinga.

What the Conservancy Is Doing
In the late 1990s the Conservancy supported the creation of Associação Caatinga, a partner organization based in the state of Ceará. Associação Caatinga has been working with over 40 small communities in a region known as Serra das Almas. By helping them with environmental projects, in education and resource management, Associação Caatinga has inspired younger generations to create a cooperative and develop an agro-forestry project surrounding the Serra das Almas Reserve.