IMPORTANCE OF THE BRAZILIAN CERRADO BIOME FOR TOXINOLOGY

NELSON J. JR. SILVA(1)

(1)Department of Biology and Master Program in Environmental Sciences and Health, Catholic University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.

Among the most distinctive dry habitats of the Neotropical region the Cerrado biome is one of the most seriously threatened, representing 1/8 of the total area of South America and 23% of Brazil. It comprises a complex biogeographic domain that includes an incredible number of target species for toxinological studies including invertebrates (insects, myriapods, and arachnids) and vertebrates (fishes, amphibians, and reptiles) which are still unknown of its approximate total diversity. As an example, new species of amphibians and reptiles are described at a rate of 5 to 10 species per year for Cerrado alone. Similarly, the Cerrado’s flora is one of the richest in terms of species with several different vegetation formations according to number and density of vascular species that may reach 300 to 450 species per hectare. The Cerrado is the only biome that contacts all other biomes of Brazil. Nonetheless, as the new agriculture frontier this biome is being rapidly transformed into giant monocultures (mainly soy bean and sugar cane) with a diversity rate loss (plants and animals) not yet evaluated. Also, the Cerrado’s drainage basins have the highest potential for hydroelectric energy with more than a hundred power plants planned or being installed. With the flooding of power plant reservoirs tens of thousands animals are directly affected and subject of complex and controversial rescue operations that can potentially offer number and diversity of invertebrates and vertebrates for toxinological studies. A modest contribution is being given to few institutions (e.g. Instituto Butantan, IVB, and FUNED) since the 70’s. In the other hand, there is a lack of interest from institutions and researchers to carry on prospective studies in a wider range of species other than the ones used for antivenin production. During the last twenty years approximately 70% of the natural formations of the Cerrado was modified by human activities and one way to describe and value its biodiversity is also through systematic toxinological studies and not only taxonomy and ecology. (2.088)

KEY WORDS: Cerrado, biodiversity, toxinology, environmental impact.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

Nelson Jorge da Silva Jr., Universidade Católica de Goiás, Mestrado em Ciências Ambientais e Saúde, Rua 232, 128 – 3º andar – Área V, Setor Universitário, CEP 74605-140, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.