A new publication, "Mona Cagarras - Illustrated Guide to Flora," has been released by the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, focusing on 15 native Atlantic Forest species found within the Cagarras Islands Natural Monument (MoNa Cagarras).
The guide, a collaborative effort by researchers Luiz Berri and Massimo Bovini, features detailed botanical illustrations and accessible descriptions for the general public. Among the highlighted species are the Alcantarea glaziouana, noted as one of the world's largest bromeliads and endemic to the region, and Neoregelia cruenta, recognized for its crucial water retention capabilities.
Established in 2010, the Cagarras Islands Natural Monument is a significant sanctuary comprising several islands and a marine area, serving as a vital hub for the preservation of Atlantic Forest ecosystems. An accompanying interactive exhibition at the Botanical Garden will run until December 1, 2025, offering visitors an immersive experience into the islands' biodiversity and scientific discoveries.
The Cagarras Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, were designated a federal natural monument in 2010, establishing the first no-take marine protected area in Rio de Janeiro. Despite their proximity to a densely populated metropolitan area, the islands exhibit remarkable ecosystem resilience, acting as a refuge for biodiversity, including endemic species, and serving as essential nursery and feeding grounds for marine life. The area is also a significant nesting ground for seabirds, with an estimated 5,000 frigatebirds and 2,500 brown boobies inhabiting the islands. Six species of cetaceans, including Bryde's whales and humpback whales, are found in the surrounding waters, with humpback whales using the area as a migration corridor. Green and hawksbill sea turtles also frequent these waters as a feeding ground.
The Atlantic Forest biome, to which these islands belong, is a global biodiversity hotspot. Despite its ecological importance, it is estimated that 88% of Brazil's Atlantic Forest has been lost due to human activity, making it one of the world's most endangered biomes. Conservation efforts are crucial for restoring habitats and protecting threatened species. The Alcantarea glaziouana, a lithophytic plant, thrives on rocky cliffs, creating micro-habitats, while Neoregelia cruenta, found in diverse environments, plays a significant ecological role by collecting water and debris that support a micro-environment for various invertebrates and specific frog species.
The islands themselves are home to 171 species of vascular flora. Notably, the threatened species Gymnanthes nervosa Müll. Arg. was recorded in the Rio de Janeiro municipality for the first time since the 1940s, underscoring the ongoing importance of conservation initiatives in the region.