Scientists create unprecedented database with information on 2 thousand species of Cerrado plants

A recent study revealed that more than 107,000 species of wildlife are traded globally, which is double previous estimates. Analysts note that the lack of data may indicate that the actual number could be 'much higher.'

Previously, it was estimated that around 50,000 species were traded worldwide. However, a new comprehensive assessment, based on intersectoral data from wildlife trade monitoring programs, established the figure at 107,356 species. This is reported in a statement about the research published by the University of Melbourne in Australia.

This study, described as the 'first comprehensive assessment of species sold among plants, animals, and fungi,' was published today in the journal Science Advances, published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Alice Hughes, a lead researcher from the Australian university's School of Life Sciences, explains that wildlife trade covers a wide range of goods: 'from timber, seafood, and medicinal plants to pets, cut flowers, ornamental fish, and fungi,' although many primarily imagine the smuggling of elephants, tigers, and pangolins.

Citing the statement, the scientist notes that 'most of this trade is legal' and generates 'about ten times more than the illegal trade.' According to the findings presented in November 2025, illegal trade was estimated at $360 billion ($323 billion euros) annually.

Highlighting the problem of insufficient information on wildlife trade, the study acknowledges that the stated figure of 107,356 species may be significantly lower than the actual volume. The researcher points out that 'for most of these species we have little or no data,' adding that 'there is no data on quantity and origin, let alone population level, to assess whether the trade poses a risk to species survival.'

She also emphasizes: 'Without better data, we cannot accurately assess the risks to biodiversity or determine when trade leads to species decline.'

In Alice Hughes' view, the huge gaps in the global wildlife trade monitoring system identified in the study 'underscore the need for a radical change in how trade is accounted for and reported.'

The scientist draws attention to the fact that despite the existence of a global biodiversity agreement, expert assessments show that it 'accounts for only about two or three percent of traded species, leaving the other 97 percent out.'

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) provides different levels of protection for over 40,000 species of animals and plants, regardless of whether they are sold as live specimens or as derivative products.

Wildlife trade also carries risks such as the import of pests and pathogens, as well as invasive species.

To change the current situation, the study advocates for the necessity of 'unifying trade data collection,' suggesting that reusing 'existing customs and veterinary sanitary processes' would allow countries to 'develop a robust system for monitoring trade.'

Collaboration between scientists, government agencies, companies dealing in wild species, and consumers driving demand is also critically important. Alice Hughes concludes: 'If we consider it important to stop the loss of biodiversity, we need much more comprehensive, transparent, and globally coordinated reports on wildlife trade.'

A rain forest costing Rs 9.49 crore has been developed in Ekatanagar, Narmada district, Gujarat, with the aim of promoting tourism in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate this project. Located near the new Gora Bridge close to the Wagadia Checkpost, the main objective of this rain forest is to provide visitors with a unique experience amidst nature.

Ekatanagar, which has gained recognition internationally due to the 'Statue of Unity', is continuously being enhanced with new attractions and modern amenities. This new rain forest brings together natural beauty, biodiversity, environmental knowledge, and recreation.

Various types of evergreen plants found in rainforests of regions like the Western Ghats, Himalayas, and Andaman-Nicobar Islands have been planted at this site. This allows people to see evergreen vegetation from different parts of India in one place. Visitors can gain information about forest ecology tourism, biodiversity, forest conservation, and local flora.

Special facilities such as waterfalls, ponds, and bridges are available for visitors. Walking on the glass walkway, tourists can view the rain forest. A waterfall of 5 to 8 meters height, circular ponds, and bridges connecting them have been constructed. A 20-foot high and 40-foot wide entrance made of natural stones will also be a major attraction of the site. The pathways made of Narmada stones and lime give a natural look to the entire surroundings.

Entertaining activities have also been arranged for children. The rain forest information center will provide details about the rain forest through maps, pictures, informative boards, and QR codes. Additionally, the children's play area includes a rock climbing wall, slides of various heights, tree balconies connected by stairs, and swings.

This project will encourage eco-tourism in Ekatanagar and boost local economic activities. It will also become a center for research related to environment and biodiversity for students, researchers, and nature lovers. This initiative will promote responsible and sustainable tourism and strengthen the reputation of Ekatanagar as a tourist destination.

The municipality of Macaé has registered the planting of 3,660 new trees in avenues, squares, and public gathering areas since the beginning of 2026. This volume corresponds to an average daily rate of approximately 13 new specimens added to the urban network throughout the year.

To illustrate the scale of this progress, if these new trees were arranged in a continuous line, maintaining the technical spacing of eight meters between trunks, they would cover an extension close to 30 kilometers, which is equivalent to the distance between the city and the neighboring municipality of Rio das Ostras.

The progress of these activities is being monitored in real time through Arvômetro, a public transparency digital panel implemented by the municipal administration in September. When this tool was launched, the city had already counted 3,172 plantings carried out between January and August. In just over a month, the counter added another 488 seedlings, placing Macaé ahead of other larger population cities in Rio de Janeiro state during the same period.

According to the Secretariat of Environment, Sustainability, and Climate, the selection of seedlings follows the local Afforestation Manual, giving preference to native species or those adapted to the region's coastal climate.

Among the various varieties planted in the urban environment are yellow ipe, pau-mulato, jerivá palm, pau-formiga, pau-ferro, aroeira-salsa, jacaranda, extremosa, and embaúba. The responsible department emphasizes that expanding vegetation coverage is a fundamental strategy for public health and resilience against global climate change, as it helps reduce the sensation of heat, combat heat islands, and increase shade in public spaces.

In addition to afforestation on sidewalks and central planters, the municipality is investing in the creation of urban microforests—which are vegetative clusters based on rapid reforestation methods to accelerate water absorption in the soil and create more pleasant microclimates in densely populated neighborhoods—as well as promoting environmental recovery fronts in degraded areas.

Thanks to this set of actions, Macaé received, for the first time in 2026, the international Tree Cities of the World seal. This certification is granted by the Arbor Day Foundation, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), recognizing cities that have continuous policies for forest management and expansion in urban areas.

So that the population can monitor the evolution of goals, view detailed data, and locate plantings in real time through a mobile device, the Arvômetro panel remains available for public consultation at the address macae.rj.gov.br/arvometro.