The Atlantic Forest is one of the 25 hotspots for biodiversity conservation worldwide. It is a unique, large biome (more than 3000 km in latitude; 2500 km in longitude), marked by high biodiversity, a high degree of endemic species and is, at the same time, extremely threatened. Approximately 70% of the Brazilian population lives in the area of this biome, which makes the conflict between biodiversity conservation and the sustainability of the human population a relevant issue. This book aims to cover: 1) the historical characterization and geographic variation of the biome; 2) the distribution of the diversity of some relevant taxa; 3) the main threats to biodiversity, and 4) possible opportunities to ensure the biodiversity conservation, and the economic and social sustainability. Also, it is hoped that this book can be useful for those involved in the development of public policies aimed at the conservation of this important global biome.
Marcia CM Marques is Full Professor of Ecology at Federal University of Parana and formerly vice president of the Brazilian Association on Ecology and Conservation (ABECO).
Carlos EV Grelle is Associate professor of Ecology at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and president of the Brazilian Association on Ecology and Conservation (ABECO).