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The Atlantic Forest region
of Brazil is one of the richest and most diverse forest systems in
the world; it is also one of the most threatened, ranking among the
five top biodiversity hotspots on Earth. Although it once covered
some 1.2 million km2, it is now down to about 7% of its original extent.
Needless to say, many of the animal and plants living in this region
are under heavy pressure, and many are now at risk of extinction.
Primates have long been the most important symbols for the Atlantic
Forest, and their situation is indicative of what is happening to
the region as a whole. Some 24 species and subspecies are found in
the Atlantic Forest, of these 15 are now considered endangered or
crítically endangered. One of these, the northern muriqui (Brachyteles
hipoxanthus), the largest mammal endemic to Brazil and a species of
great charm and appeal, ranks high on the list of most endangered
primates, |
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a flagship species of enormous importance to Brazil. Only about 500
individuals remain in the wild, and one third of those occur in a
single forest, the RPPN (Private Reserve of the Natural Patrimony)
Feliciano Abdala, location of the Caratinga Biological Station, in
the state of Minas Gerais. |
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