Recently, wildfires swept through Brazil, devastating much of the country’s landscape, including its vast tropical savanna—the Cerrado.
Covering nearly one-fifth of Brazil’s surface area, the Cerrado is the most species-rich savanna in the world, spanning two million square kilometers.
The fires, ignited during a historic drought, have tested this ecosystem’s resilience. Despite the damage, however, new growth is already emerging, demonstrating the Cerrado’s unique ability to withstand and regenerate after fire.
The Cerrado’s special traits make it remarkably resistant to fire. Over millions of years, its plants have developed deep root systems that act as natural pumps, drawing groundwater even during severe droughts.
Above ground, the vegetation is adapted to extreme conditions, with trees sporting thick bark and protective fruit shells that insulate them from intense heat.
Fires, sometimes reaching 800°C (1,470°F), do not harm the vegetation as they would other ecosystems.
The Cerrado’s unique structure, described as an “inverted forest,” survives even the harshest conditions, providing a testament to the area’s strength and adaptability.
After the recent wildfires, new life quickly sprouted. Grass and small plants began to grow with the first rains, and trees, though charred, began producing fresh leaves.
This regeneration process shows that even without rainfall, the ecosystem’s resilience remains strong.
Volunteers and environmentalists are also working to restore the area with native species, further aiding the recovery.
However, the increasing frequency of extreme droughts, driven by climate change, could put the Cerrado’s resilience to the test.
While the plants have adapted to natural fires caused by lightning strikes, human-caused wildfires are a growing threat.
Schmidt, an expert in Cerrado restoration, warns that the rapid pace of climate change is challenging the biome’s long-evolved defenses.
The Cerrado is not just a treasure trove of biodiversity but also plays a critical role in South America’s water supply, acting as the source of some of the continent’s largest rivers and aquifers.
Moreover, with rainfall declining and droughts becoming more common, this vital ecosystem faces increased risks.
If climate change continues to exacerbate these challenges, the Cerrado may struggle to maintain its role as the “cradle of waters” for the region.