cerrado

The Cerrado is a vast tropical savanna ecoregion in Brazil, spanning roughly 2 million square kilometers and covering about 20–25% of the country; it extends across central Brazil and into portions of the Northeast, including Goiás, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Tocantins, Bahia, Piauí, and Maranhão.

The climate is tropical with a pronounced dry season (roughly May–September) and a wet season; annual rainfall generally ranges from 800–1500 mm. Soils are typically acidic and nutrient-poor, derived from rocks and laterites. Vegetation forms a mosaic of savannas (cerrado sensu stricto) and woodlands, with fire acting as a natural regulator that shapes composition and structure.

Biodiversity in the Cerrado is high, making it one of the world's most diverse savannas. It hosts thousands of plant species and a variety of endemic animals, including species such as the maned wolf, jaguar, and giant anteater, along with hundreds of bird species and myriad insects. The biome exhibits substantial endemism and complex habitat types, from open campos to woody meadows and veredas.

Human impact and conservation: The Cerrado has experienced extensive conversion to agriculture and pasture, particularly for soy and cattle, leading to habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts include protected areas and parks such as Emas National Park and Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, along with sustainable use reserves and restoration initiatives.

Significance: The biome provides important ecosystem services, including water resources for major river basins, soil formation, and climate regulation, and remains a focus for scientific research, conservation, and sustainable development.