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Cerrado biome loses 13.9 million hectares of riparian vegetation
Data from MapBiomas reveals that the Cerrado biome has lost approximately 13.9 million hectares of native vegetation located within 500 meters of rivers between 1985 and 2025. This loss represents 26.9% of all green cover converted to other uses in the region during this period. The most significant degradation occurred in the Alto Tocantins and Araguaia basins, which together account for 41% of the total riparian vegetation loss.
Researchers note that the conversion of these areas, primarily for agribusiness including pasture and crops, threatens water security, increases soil erosion, and reduces the landscape's ability to manage extreme weather events. In the Cerrado, agribusiness has expanded to occupy nearly half of the former native vegetation area.
Separately, meteorological updates from NOAA indicate a high probability of a 'very strong' El Niño event between October and December, with the phenomenon potentially remaining active until early 2027. Additionally, in Roraima, drought conditions were recorded across 100% of the state's territory in August, impacting water levels in major rivers and local agriculture.
Entities
Bárbara Costa · Cerrado · Deral · El Niño · Embrapa · IPAM · Imea · MapBiomas · NOAA · Roraima · South Africa
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 8 SOURCES] The loss of riparian vegetation in the Cerrado represents 26.9% of all green cover converted to other uses in the period. paraquemdoar.org · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · gazetaderondonia.com.br · jornalenoticias.com.br · aquiacontece.com.br · +3 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In August, Roraima experienced drought across 100% of its territory. www.piranot.com.br
- [● 6 SOURCES] Agribusiness, including pasture and crops, has expanded significantly in the Cerrado, occupying nearly half of the former native vegetation area. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · gazetaderondonia.com.br · jornalenoticias.com.br · aquiacontece.com.br · pnbonline.com.br · +1 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] The Cerrado biome lost approximately 13.9 million hectares of native vegetation within 500 meters of rivers between 1985 and 2025. paraquemdoar.org · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · gazetaderondonia.com.br · jornalenoticias.com.br · aquiacontece.com.br · +3 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] The Alto Tocantins basin lost 2.9 million hectares of native vegetation near rivers, while the Araguaia basin lost 2.7 million hectares. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · gazetaderondonia.com.br · jornalenoticias.com.br · aquiacontece.com.br · pnbonline.com.br · +2 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] El Niño is expected to remain active until the beginning of 2027. revistarpanews.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] There is an 81% probability that El Niño will reach 'very strong' intensity between October and December. revistarpanews.com.br