Conservation status of biodiversity in Ceará (Brazil)

Assessment based on International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Data

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24221/jeap.10.4.2025.6610.244-249

Keywords:

Threat, extinction, fauna, flora, public policies

Abstract

In Ceará, Caatinga dominates the landscape but faces conservation challenges due to significant alteration of its original coverage by anthropogenic action. Biodiversity threat lists emerge as a strategic tool, providing data to effectively guide conservation strategies. This study analyzes endangered species (fauna and flora) in Ceará, Brazil, based on data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Ceará harbors 373 threatened species, representing 6.1% of fauna and 5.5% of endangered flora. Most species are categorized as Least Concern (304), followed by Vulnerable (16), Endangered (12), Near Threatened (9), and Critically Endangered (6). Threatened species are distributed across 10 distinct habitats, with emphasis on subtropical/tropical moist forest and dry savanna formations. Major threats include urbanization (60) and industrial agriculture (56), while the impact of illegal bird trade, although significant, is often underestimated. Proposed biodiversity conservation strategies in Ceará should focus on reducing threats and restoring disturbed habitats to ensure species survival and promote environmental quality. Strengthening public policies, emphasizing social awareness, and protecting endangered species are crucial for regional sustainability. These policies should be based on reliable data, considering the state's specific characteristics. The inclusion of local lists in the IUCN is essential to internationally highlight the status of endangered species in Ceará.

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Author Biographies

Elenice de Abreu Oliveira, Federal University of Piaui

Graduated from the Full Degree in Geography, offered by the State University of Piauí (UESPI). I am a specialist in Higher Education Teaching at the Faculty of Applied Sciences Piauí (FACAPI). I am currently a master's student in the Postgraduate Program in Development and Environment (PRODEMA), at the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI).

Carlos Magno Melo Braga, Federal University of Piaui

Graduated in Biological Sciences from Universidade Paulista, Specialist in Biological Diversity from Faculdade Campos Elíseos (FCE), he is currently a scholarship holder in the master's program in Development and Environment at the Federal University of Piauí. He carries out his research in Biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources with the following theme: Determinants for the consumption of game meat in the north of Ceará, Brazil.

Ana Caroline Ribeiro Costa, Federal University of Piaui

Master's student in Development and Environment - PRODEMA/UFPI (2023- currently). Graduated in Natural Sciences from the Federal University of Piauí (2016- 2022). She worked on Scientific Initiation projects in the area of Ecophysiology. Participated in the research laboratory at the Center for Natural Sciences - UFPI entitled Laboratory of Ecophysiology and Conservation Biology - LEBCon. Graduated in Biomedicine from Faculdade Maurício de Nassau / Aliança (2010-2013). She interned at the Teresina-ETE LESTE Sewage Treatment Plant. Interned at the Central Public Health Laboratory of Piauí - Lacen in the Clinical Microbiology sector, (6 months - 2016).

Clarissa Gomes Reis Lopes, Federal University of Piaui

Graduated in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Piauí (2003), master (2007) and doctorate (2011) in Botany from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco. She is currently a professor of the Natural Sciences course at the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI) and the Master's in Development and Environment (PRODEMA-UFPI). She carries out research mainly in the area of plant ecology, nature conservation and regeneration of anthropized areas of northeastern ecosystems.

Bruno Ayron de Souza Aguiar, Federal University of Piaui

Graduated in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Piauí. Master and PhD in Botany from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco. He is currently a Junior Postdoctoral Fellow at CNPq and External Professor at the Federal University of Piauí of the Postgraduate Program in Development and Environment-PRODEMA. He develops his research in Population Ecology and Plant Ecophysiology specifically on the following theme: How have multiple environmental stresses affected the growth and reproduction of herbaceous plants in dry tropical forests?

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Published

2025-12-17

How to Cite

Oliveira, E. de A., Braga, C. M. M., Costa, A. C. R., Lopes, C. G. R., & Aguiar, B. A. de S. (2025). Conservation status of biodiversity in Ceará (Brazil) : Assessment based on International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Data. Journal of Environmental Analysis and Progress, 10(4), 244–249. https://doi.org/10.24221/jeap.10.4.2025.6610.244-249

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 4 (2025): Journal of Environmental Analysis and Progress

Section

Scientific Note - Nota Científica

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Copyright (c) 2025 Elenice de Abreu Oliveira, Carlos Magno Melo Braga, Ana Caroline Ribeiro Costa, Clarissa Gomes Reis Lopes, Bruno Ayron de Souza Aguiar

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