Urban forests and the conservation of threatened plant species: the case of the Tijuca National Park, Brazil

Tijuca National Park, an urban forest within Rio de Janeiro's Carioca Landscapes, serves as a critical stronghold for threatened plant species amid global habitat loss. This study quantifies its role in conserving biodiversity by analyzing 143 plant species, including 29 endangered or vulnerable taxa, demonstrating that urban protected areas can effectively counteract species extinction risks. Researchers employed field surveys, taxonomic identification, and threat assessment using IUCN Red List criteria to evaluate the park's ecological significance. Findings underscore the importance of integrating urban forests into global conservation strategies, particularly in biodiverse regions like Brazil, where such areas cover 12.4% of national land. The study advocates for strengthened protection measures to safeguard these irreplaceable ecosystems.

Pougy, N., Martins, E., Verdi, M., de Oliveira, J. A., Maurenza, D., Amaro, R., & Martinelli, G. (2014). Urban forests and the conservation of threatened plant species: the case of the Tijuca National Park, Brazil. Natureza & Conservação, 12(2), 170–173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ncon.2014.09.007