Two earthworms never before described by science are found in São Carlos and show that integrated systems can protect biodiversity where food is also produced.

Written by Viviane Alves

Published on 01/06/2026 at 18:51

Updated on 01/06/2026 at 18:52

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Discovery made at Embrapa reveals new native species and reinforces the importance of no-till farming and integrated systems for the conservation of life in Brazilian soil

A scientific discovery made in the interior of São Paulo brought new evidence about the importance of sustainable agricultural practices for biodiversity preservation. Two new species of native Brazilian earthworms were identified at Fazenda Canchim, a unit of Embrapa Pecuária Sudeste, located in São Carlos.

The discovery was presented in April through a scientific article published in the international journal Zootaxa. The work was developed by researchers from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Embrapa Florestas, and the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR).

The species were named Fimoscolex bernardii sp. nov. Bartz and Glossoscolex canchim sp. nov. Bartz. Both belong to the family Glossoscolecidae and were found in productive areas managed under different conservationist systems.

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New species expand knowledge about Brazilian soil fauna

The collections took place in areas of crop-livestock-forest integration (ILPF), crop-livestock integration (ILP), livestock-forest integration (IPF), pastures, and crops under no-till farming.

Researchers highlight that the new records expand the inventory of known earthworms in Brazil. The finding also contributes to a better understanding of the distribution of native species in the transition zone between the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes.

The region of São Carlos is considered strategic for this type of research due to its high environmental diversity and the intense agricultural use of its areas.

Earthworms are fundamental for soil fertility

Earthworms play an essential role in terrestrial ecosystems. The activity of these organisms directly influences the physical, chemical, and biological structure of the soil.

The movement performed by the species creates natural channels that favor water infiltration and air circulation. The work of these organisms also contributes to the decomposition of plant residues and the incorporation of organic matter into the soil.

Researchers classify earthworms as important bioindicators of environmental quality, as their presence usually reflects favorable conditions for the biological functioning of the environment.

Researchers converse in an integrated crop-livestock-forest area at Fazenda Canchim, in São Carlos (SP), where two new species of native earthworms were discovered during studies on biodiversity and soil quality. — Researchers conduct observations in an integrated production system area at Fazenda Canchim, where studies helped identify two new species of native Brazilian earthworms.

Research started in 2018 revealed important results

The studies that culminated in the discovery began in 2018. Teams from Embrapa and the participating universities evaluated the influence of integrated systems on soil quality and on the earthworm populations present at Fazenda Canchim.

The results were part of the doctoral thesis of researcher Lilianne Maia Bruz. The analyses showed an increase in the abundance of native and exotic species in areas managed under integrated systems.

Data obtained during the work indicated that these systems create favorable conditions for the maintenance of earthworm populations over time.

Species honor researcher and native tree of the region

The species Fimoscolex bernardii was named in honor of researcher Alberto Bernardi, from Embrapa Pecuária Sudeste, responsible for more than two decades of research involving integrated production systems.

The species Glossoscolex canchim refers to the tree Canchim (Pachystroma longifolium), native to the Atlantic Forest. The plant also inspired the name of the Canchim cattle breed and the Fazenda Canchim itself.

Specimens of the new species were incorporated into the Fritz Müller Collection of Oligochaetes, maintained by Embrapa Florestas, in Colombo, Paraná. Reference specimens were also sent to the Museum of Zoology of São Paulo.

Enlarged image of an invertebrate organism observed in a laboratory environment, used in research on soil fauna and biodiversity in integrated agricultural production systems conducted by Embrapa in São Carlos (SP). — Specimen analyzed in the laboratory during studies on soil biodiversity, research that contributed to the identification of new species associated with sustainable agricultural systems in the interior of São Paulo.

Brazil may harbor more than 1,400 species of earthworms

Brazil currently has about 336 scientifically described species of earthworms. However, researchers estimate that this number could exceed 1,400 species.

A large part of this biodiversity remains little studied, especially in areas of the Cerrado. Discoveries like the one made at Fazenda Canchim help fill gaps about the Brazilian soil fauna.

The presence of new species in productive systems reinforces the hypothesis that conservationist practices can favor the maintenance of native biodiversity. The result also highlights the need to expand studies on the effects of agricultural management on the conservation of organisms that sustain the fertility of Brazilian soils.

How many other unknown species might still be living silently under agricultural areas considered common?

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Two earthworms never before described by science are found in São Carlos and show that integrated systems can protect biodiversity where food is also produced.

Discovery made at Embrapa reveals new native species and reinforces the importance of no-till farming and integrated systems for the conservation of life in Brazilian soil

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Two earthworms never before described by science are found in São Carlos and show that integrated systems can protect biodiversity where food is also produced.

Discovery made at Embrapa reveals new native species and reinforces the importance of no-till farming and integrated systems for the conservation of life in Brazilian soil

New species expand knowledge about Brazilian soil fauna

Earthworms are fundamental for soil fertility

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Brazil may harbor more than 1,400 species of earthworms

In the cold desert of Ladakh, where it hardly rains, engineer Sonam Wangchuk created the ice stupa, a tower that freezes winter water and stores it for irrigating crops in the spring, a simple engineering feat that mimics nature.

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