In a significant discovery for Brazil's Atlantic Forest, ancient jequitibá-rosa trees (Cariniana legalis) have been identified and cataloged. These ancient specimens, some estimated to be around 500 years old, represent vital remnants of a once vast and biodiverse ecosystem.
One notable ancient tree, located in Rio de Janeiro's Pedra Branca State Park, stands approximately 40 meters tall with a circumference of 7 meters. Its survival is attributed to its protected location, accessible only through private land that also shelters other jequitibá-rosa trees. This pocket of forest is a crucial remnant of the Atlantic Forest biome, known for its rich plant life. The jequitibá-rosa, endemic to this biome, is critically endangered due to historical logging and ongoing habitat loss, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Further bolstering these findings, a scientific expedition in May 2025 uncovered what is believed to be the largest jequitibá-rosa ever recorded in the Atlantic Forest. This colossal tree, found in the Minas Gerais region within the Mata Escura Biological Reserve, measures an astonishing 65 meters in height with a diameter exceeding 5 meters. Its discovery underscores the existence of pristine, untouched areas within the Atlantic Forest, offering invaluable insights into the region's ecological history and potentially harboring undiscovered species. The expedition, initially using drones equipped with thermal cameras to monitor endangered northern muriquis, inadvertently led to the identification of this arboreal giant.
This discovery is part of a broader conservation initiative by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation and Vale, aimed at protecting and restoring extensive areas across Brazil. The Atlantic Forest, which once spanned a vast expanse along Brazil's coast, approximately 1.2 million square kilometers, has been reduced to less than 7% of its original size due to extensive deforestation for agriculture, urbanization, and logging. Despite this fragmentation, it remains one of the world's most biodiverse hotspots, housing an estimated 20,000 plant species and numerous unique animal species. Ongoing threats of habitat loss, fragmentation, and climate change necessitate robust conservation strategies. Efforts to safeguard the jequitibá-rosa species include seed collection for propagation and reintroduction programs, aiming to ensure the survival of this iconic tree. The resilience and continued discovery of these ancient trees serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving these vital ecosystems for future generations and for the planet's overall health.