Biodiversidad

Biodiversity
Brazil's large territory comprises different ecosystems, such as the Amazon Rainforest, recognized as having the greatest biological diversity in theworld,[156] with the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado, sustaining the greatest biodiversity.[157] In the south, the Araucaria pine forest grows under temperate conditions.[157]The rich wildlife of Brazil reflects the variety of natural habitats. Much of it, however, remains largely undocumented, and new species are regularly found.[citation needed]Scientists estimate that the total number of plant and animal species in Brazil could approach four million.[157]
Larger mammals include pumas, jaguars, ocelots, rarebush dogs, and foxes; peccaries, tapirs, anteaters, sloths, opossums, and armadillos are abundant. Deer are plentiful in the south, and many species of New World monkeys arefound in the northern rain forests.[157][158] Concern for the environment has grown in response to global interest in environmental issues.[159
Environment
The naturalheritage of Brazil is severely threatened by cattle ranching and agriculture, logging, mining, resettlement, oil and gas extraction, over-fishing, wildlife trade, dams andinfrastructure, water contamination, climate change, fire, and invasive species.[156] In many areas of the country, the natural environment is threatened by development.[160]Construction of highways has opened up previously remote areas for agriculture and settlement; dams have flooded valleys and inundated wildlife habitats; and mines havescarred and polluted the landscape.[159][161] At least 70 dams are said to be planned for the Amazon region, including controversial Belo Monte hydroelectric dam.[162]