Biogeographical distribution, conservation and local use of Amburana acreana (Ducke) A. C. Sm. in the Cacoal-Rondônia region, Brazil

Abstract

Amburana acreana (Ducke) A. C. Sm., popularly known as "cerejeira" or emburana, is a tree belonging to the Fabaceae family (Leguminosae: Faboideae) and is included in the list of threatened and endangered species, according to Regulation No. 06 of the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment, dated 23 September 2008, standing out as one of the most vulnerable species. The objective of this study was to analyse the biogeographic distribution of A. acreana in the municipality of Cacoal, located in the Brazilian Amazon. The research was based on field data, complemented by herbarium records, databases, sampling and surveys of the local community to obtain information on the location and abundance of the species. The use of advanced tools such as DIVA-GIS 7.5® and Terra-i® made it possible to visualise the distribution of A. acreana in Brazil, both in its natural habitat (States of Acre, Mato Grosso and Rondônia) and in cultivated areas (Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro), extending also to Bolivia and Peru. In the municipality of Cacoal, the presence of the species was confirmed in ten localities, two of which hosted more than six adult individuals. The consideration of the microclimatic conditions of these localities proves to be a crucial element for proposing effective conservation strategies. The study not only provides a detailed overview of the distribution of A. acreana, but also highlights the need to address specific environmental conditions to ensure the long-term conservation of this threatened species in the Amazon region.