CENARGEN/EMBRAPA is investigating priority areas for in situ conservation of genetic resources of socially and economically important species. Herbaria and the literature were consulted to determine the distribution patterns of some tropical rain forest species. Known species distribution were correlated with soils, climate, vegetation types and the existence of conservation units, in order to propose the establishment of genetic reserves for in situ conservation and field gene banks for ex situ conservation. The species reported here are Aniba rosaedora Ducke (rosewood), Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K. (Brazil nut), Carapa quianensis Aubl. (andiroba), Cedrela fissilis Veil, e C. odorata L. (cedar), Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. e C. multijuga Hayne (copaibas), Cordia goeldiana Huber (freijo), Jacaranda copaia (Aubl.) D. Dom (para-para), Simaruba amara Aubl. (marupa), Swietenia macrophylla King (mahogany), Virola sebifera Aubl. e V. surinamensis Warb. (ucuubas) e Voucapoua americana Aubl. e V. pcdlidior Ducke (acapu). Further work will include field corroboration of the data presented here, as well as population studies in the selected areas.
Amazonia; Field Gene Banks; Genetic Reserves; Conservation; Tropical Forest Species