Loss and Conservation of Nonforest Ecosystems: an Integrative Landscape and Climate Approach for Endemic Birds of the Cerrado

Abstract

Abstract Habitat loss in nonforest ecosystems is neglected globally, including in the Cerrado biome, where agriculture and livestock have caused significant changes. In the Cerrado, birds are among the groups most vulnerable to this process. To provide a better overview of this group, we investigated the extent of the impacts and coverage of protected areas on the species' habitats. We selected 23 species and integrated landscape and climate approaches with geospatial data from protected areas in the Cerrado. Between 1985 and 2019, almost all species evaluated in this study lost habitat within the potential distribution. On average, the species kept only 66% of their area of occupation in 2019, which means a 34% loss. Species widely distributed in the Cerrado preserve more habitat in the northern part of the biome, while those with most of their habitats in the southernmost areas of the biome had strong habitat loss. The total area remaining in 2019 represents, on average, only 32% of the extension of occurrence. Of this 32% on average, only 23% of the areas are in protected areas of the Cerrado. Average habitat protection in 2019 was below expectations given the current coverage of protected areas in the biome, averaging only 7.3% of the EOO among species. Our results showed that low protection (1/4) and habitat loss in the Cerrado greatly impacted birds endemic to open habitats. With species in this ecosystem at high risk, it is urgent to deepen the discussion on protecting remaining and restoring already lost habitats.