# Cerrado biome vegetation loss

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cerrado-biome-vegetation-loss
> Updated: 2026-10-08T00:40:27.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 2.

Data from MapBiomas indicates a significant decline in the health and regeneration of the Brazilian Cerrado biome. Between 2017 and 2025, the loss of secondary vegetation—areas of deforested land undergoing natural regeneration—increased by nearly 20% compared to the 2007–2016 period. This trend of falling vegetation recovery has been observed since 1987, with much of the lost secondary vegetation being deforested again in less than a decade, which reduces carbon storage capacity.

Further analysis shows that between 1985 and 2025, the biome lost approximately 13.9 million hectares of riparian vegetation located within 500 meters of watercourses. This loss represents 26.9% of all vegetation converted to other uses in the biome, with the most significant impacts occurring in the Alto Tocantins and Araguaia basins, which together account for 41% of the total riparian vegetation loss. 

Much of this vegetation has been replaced by agribusiness, specifically pasture and crops; in the Cerrado, agribusiness has expanded to occupy nearly half of the former native vegetation area. Researchers warn that this degradation threatens water security, increases erosion, and reduces the landscape's resilience to extreme weather events.

## Claims

- The Cerrado biome lost approximately 13.9 million hectares of native vegetation within 500 meters of rivers between 1985 and 2025. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The loss of riparian vegetation in the Cerrado represents 26.9% of all green cover converted to other uses in the period. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The Alto Tocantins basin lost 2.9 million hectares of native vegetation near rivers, while the Araguaia basin lost 2.7 million hectares. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Agribusiness, including pasture and crops, has expanded significantly in the Cerrado, occupying nearly half of the former native vegetation area. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- There is an 81% probability that El Niño will reach 'very strong' intensity between October and December. (single source)
- El Niño is expected to remain active until the beginning of 2027. (single source)
- In August, Roraima experienced drought across 100% of its territory. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-08: Cerrado biome loses 13.9 million hectares of riparian vegetation

MapBiomas reports the Cerrado lost 13.9 million hectares of riparian vegetation since 1985. Meanwhile, NOAA warns of a strong El Niño through 2027, and Roraima faced total state-wide drought in August.

26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-agriculture-faces-challenges-from-irregular-rainfall

### 2026-09-13: Cerrado secondary vegetation loss increases by 20% since 2017

MapBiomas reports a 20% increase in secondary vegetation loss in the Cerrado between 2017 and 2025, signaling a decline in the biome's ability to regenerate and store carbon.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cerrado-secondary-vegetation-loss-increases-by-20-since-2017

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Cite as: Cerrado biome vegetation loss. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cerrado-biome-vegetation-loss