Araucaria

The Brazilian araucaria (Araucaria angustifolia), also known as the Paraná pine, is an ancient conifer native to the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil. This towering tree, which can reach heights of up to 50 meters, plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by providing habitat and food for numerous species, including birds, insects, and mammals.

Climate change threatens the survival of the araucaria through rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns, which affect seed production and tree growth. Deforestation for agriculture and urban development compounds these challenges, leading to the loss of large areas of araucaria forest. This tree is also highly sensitive to fires, which have become more frequent due to climate change.

Conserving the araucaria requires a combination of reforestation efforts, legal protections, and sustainable land-use practices. By protecting this ancient tree, we also preserve the biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest, one of the most threatened ecosystems on Earth.