The vegetation potential of road margins for the preservation of Cerrado biodiversity

A study led by Dr. Monize Altomare, of the Biosciences Institute of Unesp Rio Claro, which has the participation of Professors. Dr. Patrícia Morellato, professor at the Unesp Rio Claro Biosciences Institute and director of CBioClima, revealed that the vegetation present on the margins of roads can be used as a potential refuge for biodiversity and for the functioning of two ecosystems in modified landscapes.

By: Gabriela Andrietta

The article entitled Roadside vegetation maintains pollination ecosystem services in the surrounding agricultural areas of a Neotropical savanna, published in the Journal of Environmental Management, in July 2025, reveals that the pollination systems of Cerrado plants found in preserved areas also occur on the margins of roads. Despite its ecological importance, most studies on roadside vegetation and their role in the maintenance of pollination services have only been carried out in temperate regions, with few research done in tropical areas.

The margins of the Cerrado roads, a biome that has lost most of its original area, can harbor diversity of plant species comparable to that found in natural reserves, evidencing its underestimated potential to sustain ecosystem functions and services. As Altomare explains: “In certain contexts, these areas constitute the last refuges of native vegetation in intensely modified landscapes, contributing to the heterogeneity of the landscape and offering essential resources for pollinators.”

In this study, 24 native species of plants have been identified that occur on the margins of the roads and are pollinated by abelhas that, in addition to guaranteeing the reproduction of these native species, also play a crucial role in the pollination of essential crops such as coffee, soybeans and tomatoes. This role is particularly relevant considering that 60% of Brazil's agricultural production occurs in the Cerrado and that approximately 76% of crops grown in the country depend on pollination for yield and quality. Thus, understanding the role of roadside habitats is essential for their effective management, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity and the resilience of non-Cerrado agricultural systems.

To understand the role of vegetation on Cerrado road margins in comparison to reserve areas, two indicators are used: one to identify the most representative pollination systems and evaluate the capacity of road margins to support each system in comparison with reserves, and another to identify native species of plants that interact with each other. pollinators-key for the production of agricultural crops. Lastly, a new index was developed to rank native plants, combining information on their abundance and frequency along the margins of roads, or the sharing of pollinator species with cultures and the duration of their flowering phenology. The index prioritizes species with longer flowering periods, ensuring continuous availability of resources for pollinators throughout the year.

Altomare explains that "In this study, we evaluate the potential of vegetation on road margins in a biodiverse savanna in Brazil to sustain pollination services in adjacent agricultural areas. We analyze the diversity of trees and shrubs in preserved savanna areas and on non-Cerrado road margins, integrating data from agricultural systems. Pollination obtained by means of a broad review of the literature. Our results show that all pollination systems associated with woody plants in protected areas are also present in the vegetation on the margins of roads, with the exception of pollination by beija-flores, borboletas and abelhas, which foram slightly less represented nesses habitats. However, the reduction in pollination by abelhas on road margins was only 7%."

These areas, which do not substitute the reserves and conservation units, can be used and play a strategic role in the maintenance of biodiversity, especially by developing conservation strategies that protect and prioritize native species: “The margins of roads cannot substitute the essential role of the conservation areas. conservation; however, considering that these areas tend to become increasingly common due to the expansion of road networks, it is important to reconfirm their potential for biodiversity conservation, especially two pollination services. To maximize the benefits of these areas, it is essential to strengthen environmental legislation, maintain lengths. adequate das road faixas and identify priority areas for restoration, including native species that offer special benefits to pollinators. To integrate pollinator-friendly plants, prioritize species adapted to the Cerrado and emphasize their resilience and potential for conservation strategies. We can improve the provision of long-term ecosystem services, contributing to agricultural sustainability and biodiversity conservation.” Altomare concluded.

The complete article can be accessed at:

https://kwnsfk27.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F%2Fauthors.elsevier.com%2Fa%2F1lWwM_6sjVCHI I/1/0102019860b1e4ae-aad9c4ae-c9e4-46f0-8fb1-682b5910a5e8-000000/JJ6aI35_yKRlQQc5j4liRlTX3qk=436