In a significant development for urban biodiversity, São Paulo has reported the discovery of 114 new animal species this year, according to the latest Wildlife Inventory conducted by the city's Green and Environmental Secretariat. This brings the total number of recorded species in the municipality to 1,453, highlighting the rich biodiversity that exists even amidst urbanization.
The inventory also identified 602 invertebrate species, including 371 types of moths and butterflies, which serve as important indicators of environmental quality. Among vertebrates, the count includes 57 fish, 89 amphibians, 59 reptiles, 523 birds, and 123 mammals.
Since 1993, the Wildlife Division has been monitoring and documenting wildlife across São Paulo's parks and green areas. This annual publication is part of the city's 2021-2024 Goals Program, aimed at guiding biodiversity conservation efforts linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
São Paulo is home to numerous species of conservation concern, with 222 classified as endangered, representing 15.3% of the city's total animal population. The recent findings indicate progress in understanding various groups, particularly arachnids, butterflies, birds, and mammals, thanks to enhanced management plans and the inclusion of specialists in the Wildlife Division.
As urban populations are projected to exceed 68% by 2050, according to UN-Habitat, the risk to global flora and fauna intensifies. Thus, it is crucial to develop public policies that prioritize conservation and urban planning aligned with biodiversity, informed by comprehensive data on local wildlife.