The geographic bias in Brazilian biodiversity sampling.

A linha de véu: a biodiversidade brasileira desconhecida.
The Veil Line: unknown Brazilian biodiversity.
 
Abstract
 
It is difficult to encounter all species, even in places that are well sampled, and this impediment to biological knowledge is called the veil line. There is also an impediment that results from the geographic bias in sampling that places a veil over knowledge of Brazilian biodiversity. Only through an innovative and strategic program of investment by several ministries, and by training local people, can we lift the veil and reveal the information necessary to describe and take advantage of Brazilian biodiversity.
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When we evaluate the distribution of financial resources for carrying out biodiversity research in Brazil we observe a financial inequality between the regions, with the south and southeast having the lion's share of the financial resources. Despite the strategic importance of covering the whole of Brazil, we know that there are regions such as the Amazon, in which is concentrated a large proportion of the biodiversity where we still know very little. It is necessary to correct this bias in the funding of research projects and to strengthen biodiversity networks.
 
"The Veil Line: Brazilian Biodiversity Unknown" was produced by researchers from INPA, PPBio and CENBAM, who sought to present and discuss the issues related to the knowledge of Brazilian biodiversity and to the problems related to the viability of the projects in the region.
 
The article (in Portuguese) can be viewed and downloaded here.

 

Text by: Thaiane Sousa

Translated by: Tim Vincent