Abstract

Ecosystem fragmentation has become one of the most striking aspects of human-driven environmental change in North-eastern Brazil, and this modification of natural habitats, in turn, has become one of the principal causes of species extinction. In light of these observations, the question arises as to whether floristic studies and botanical collections can help save species threatened with extinction. The present study is based on collections of species of the genus Manilkara (Sapotaceae) in areas of “restinga” (coastal vegetation) in the municipalities of Ilha Grande, Parnaíba, and Luiz Correia, Piauí State, Brazil, and on examinations of botanical material housed in the country’s principal herbaria. Four native species of Manilkara have been observed to occur in Piauí State: Manilkara cavalcantei, Manilkara rufula, Manilkara salzmannii and Manilkara triflora. The former two species are listed by the IUCN as threatened with extinction. Although these species have been collected in “Delta of Parnaíba” environmental protection area, effective measures are still needed to protect this conservation area from advancing anthropogenic environmental degradation.

Key words: Extinction, fragmentation, Manilkara, Northeastern Brazil, Sapotaceae.