12,500+ and counting: biodiversity of the Brazilian Pampa

Knowledge on biodiversity is fundamental for conservation strategies. The Brazilian Pampa region, located in subtropical southern Brazil, neglected terms of conservation, and knowledge its fragmented. We aim to answer the question: how many, which, species occur Pampa? In a collaborative effort, we built lists plants, animals, bacteria, fungi that Pampa. included information distribution patterns, main habitat types, status. Our study resulted referenced totaling 12,503 (12,854 taxa, when considering infraspecific taxonomic categories [or units]). Vascular plants amount 3,642 (including 165 Pteridophytes), while algae have 2,046 (2,378 taxa) bryophytes 316 (318 taxa). Fungi (incl. lichenized fungi) contains 1,141 (1,144 Animals total 5,358 (5,372 Among latter, vertebrates comprise 1,136 species, invertebrates are represented by 4,222 species. data indicate that, according current knowledge, holds approximately 9% an area little more than 2% Brazil’s land. proportion restricted low (with few groups as exceptions), it part larger grassland ecoregion transitional climatic setting. yielded considerably higher numbers previously known many groups; some, provides first published compilation. Further efforts needed increase other regions Brazil. Considering strategic importance appropriate government policies fund studies biodiversity, create accessible constantly updated databases, consider school curricula outreach activities.