Abstract
Estimates of species extinction due to human impact on tropical forests
have previously been based on the relationship between species number and
area. Here we use a different approach to estimate loss of
tree species in the Atlantic forest of northeast Brazil. We evaluate the characteristics
of plant species, their avian dispersers and the distribution of the forest
remnants on the landscape to estimate that about 33.9% of tree species in
this region will become extinct on a regional scale. Because northeast Brazil
is the most threatened sector of South American Atlantic forest,
our results highlight the need to change the current conservation paradigm
for this region. Rather than focus on the creation of isolated reserves in
any medium-to-large forest remnant, a bioregional planning approach is urgently
required to rescue this unique biota from extinction.
