Figure 1: Dr. Giselda Durigan explains the challenges of nature conservation and restoration in the Cerrado biome. Assis

State Forest Center, 3.9.2012. Photo by V.Pillar.

Figure 2: Two major causes for land use change in the Cerrado biome: Sugarcane cultivation near Cananéia farm…

Figure 3: …and exotic tree plantations, here on SP280 between Campinas and Assis, 2.9.2012, photos by J.Hermann.

Figure 4: The reference system for Cerrado restoration: A savannah-like landscape of fire-resistant and fire-resilient trees

and shrubs scattered across a grass matrix. Santa Bárbara Ecological Station, 3.9.2012, photo by J.-M. Hermann.

Figure 5: Another major challenge: What looks like a tree-grass-mosaic of acceptable nature conservation value contains

nearly 100% invasive Urochloa / Brachiaria species, introduced from southern Africa. Near Assis State Forest, 3.9.2012.

Photo by J.-M.Hermann.

Figure 6: Experimental grazing exclusion (project coordinated by G.Durigan) assists in recovery of the herb and grass

layers of the Cerrado, although in this site, too, non-native species predominate. Near Assis State Forest, 3.9.2012. Photo

by J.-M.Hermann.

Figure 7: Good intentions abused: This forest was “restored” mostly with non-native ornamentals instead of native tree

species. Near Assis State Forest, 3.9.2012. Photo by J.-M.Hermann.