Medicinal Plants of the Cerrado May Disappear by 2060 Due to Climate Change and Loss of Up to 64% of Suitable Areas

Written by Caio Aviz

Published on 07/11/2025 at 11:57

Pequi, barbatimão e jatobá-do-cerrado ilustram espécies nativas do Cerrado que podem perder até 64% das áreas adequadas devido ao aquecimento global.

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Growing Risk for Traditional Species of the Cerrado

Cerrado medicinal plants may disappear by 2060, and in addition research from Renac-UEG published in Biodiversity and Conservation (Springer Nature) emphasizes the severity of the scenario.
The study points to a reduction of up to 64% in areas suitable for cultivation, and therefore more than 100 species, including pequi, barbatimão, and jatobá-do-cerrado, face a real risk.

Direct Impacts of Climate Change

The survey was conducted by the Graduate Program in Natural Resources of the Cerrado (Renac-UEG) with support from IFG, UFBA, UFPE, and UFG, and in addition utilized extensive climate modeling.
The team applied species distribution models under global climate scenarios, and thus identified concerning patterns.
The results show significant habitat retraction, and consequently this results from global warming and changes in rainfall patterns.

Species Migration and Savannization Risk

A possible migration of Cerrado plants to the Amazon may occur due to savannization, and therefore this requires attention.
In this process, Amazonian areas become drier and more open, and on the other hand start to resemble the structure of the Cerrado.
Although it may initially seem beneficial, this displacement can destabilize local ecosystems, and therefore concerns specialists.
It can also alter the structure of the humid tropical rainforest, and thus exacerbate environmental tensions.

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Evaluation by Specialists

According to biologist Leonardo Almeida Guerra dos Santos, savanization represents a profound and undesirable change, and therefore threatens the Amazonian balance.
This transformation affects medicinal plants, and in addition harms traditional use by local communities.
The researcher emphasizes that models guide more assertive governmental actions, and thus allow for better planning.

Paths to Conservation

The study suggests that environmental agencies can create new protected areas, and therefore preserve regions of climatic refuge.
The research recommends assisted migration plans, and in addition indicates prioritization of the most threatened species.
It also advocates for integrated conservation policies involving Cerrado and Amazon managers, and thus enables joint responses.

Medicinal Plants of the Cerrado May Disappear by 2060 Due to Climate Change and Loss of Up to 64% of Suitable Areas

Growing Risk for Traditional Species of the Cerrado

Direct Impacts of Climate Change

Species Migration and Savannization Risk

Evaluation by Specialists

Paths to Conservation

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Medicinal Plants of the Cerrado May Disappear by 2060 Due to Climate Change and Loss of Up to 64% of Suitable Areas

Growing Risk for Traditional Species of the Cerrado

Direct Impacts of Climate Change

Species Migration and Savannization Risk

Evaluation by Specialists

Paths to Conservation

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