Cerradão

Cerradão is a tropical savanna woodland ecosystem found primarily in the Cerrado region of Brazil. It is characterized by a dense canopy of trees that are typically shorter and more widely spaced than in a closed forest, interspersed with a herbaceous layer of grasses and shrubs. The trees in cerradão are well-adapted to the region's distinct wet and dry seasons, often possessing thick bark to protect against fires and deep root systems to access water during dry periods. This ecosystem represents a transitional stage between the more open grasslands of campo limpo and the denser forests found in wetter areas. Cerradão plays a crucial role in biodiversity, providing habitat for a variety of fauna and contributing to the ecological health of the Cerrado biome. It is also susceptible to human impacts, including agricultural expansion and deforestation, which threaten its existence and the services it provides. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the remaining cerradão areas and restore degraded habitats.