The Atlantic Forest of South America: Biodiversity Status, Threats, and Outlook

The Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina is one of the most devastated and most highly threatened ecosystem on the planet; less than eight percent of the original forest remains and is facing intense population pressures from all sides. The Atlantic Forest of South America presents a detailed assessment of the state of biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest. Separate sections examine each of the three countries that are home to the forest, beginning with a brief overview that explores the dynamics of biodiversity loss in that country and outlines the topics to be addressed. Following the overview are individual chapters that analyze: current status and monitoring of biodiversity; conservation priorities and important species; socioeconomic drivers of deforestation; policy initiatives for conservation; the capacity of local institutions to provide solutions and implement effective conservation actions; A final section covers trinational issues. Chapters are written by local, regional, national, and international experts from a range of disciplines who are directly involved with conservation efforts in the region; collectively they draw on decades of study and personal exp