GEO Brasil - UNEP

the state of biodiversity
the state of the environmet in Brazil
number of species or total varieties
and the high risk (parenthesis) is of 9
(5) acarids, 112 (26) insects, 27(10)
nematodes, 17(3) bacteria, 20 (3) virus
and related, 52 (11) fungi, 3 (2) weeds
EMBRAPA, which is one of the main
centres in the country for germoplasm
analysis intercepted 65 species and
varieties of agricultural plagues in
vegetable material imported by Brazil,
between 1976 and 1997 (Sujii et al
1996)
In addition to plagues, many other
species were introduced accidentally
through other living species or
through biological material Abiotic
vectors such as baggage, boxes,
cargo, and even transports, also
brought various species accidentally
into the country Most recent cases
are the introduction of crabs
(Charybdis hellerii) and of goldenmussels
(Limnoperna fortune) by
discharge of ballast water in the coast
of South America (IEAPM 2000,
Galván 2000 e Karen Larsen
compess)
In Brazil, the intentional introduction
of exotic species is as frequent as
accidental introductions causing some
of the worst cases of invasions
African bees (Apis mellifera scutelatta)
were brought into the country in 1950,
for research and genetic improvement
and experimental hybridisation with
the European bee, which does not
adapt well to tropical climates
Experimental beehives had barriers to
impede the exit of queens that,
nonetheless, escaped Propagating at
an alarming rate of 300-500 km a year,
the bees occupied the whole of
America, until the South of the United
States and in some natural
environments its deadly populations
reached the density from 4 to 10
colonies per square kilometre (Kerr
1967, Taylor 1985, Southwich 1990)
More recently, the African snail
(Achatina fulica), considered one of
the worst invaders in the world (ISSG,
2000), was brought to Brazil for
commercial reproduction, and were
released through space and discharge
(Paiva 2000)
Many intentional introductions were
carried out directly into natural
environments The import of
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