Protected areas still used to produce Brazil's cattle

Abstract Cattle production inside Brazil's protected areas (PAs), including indigenous lands, continues to contaminate Amazonian supply chains more than a decade after efforts reform the sector were launched with signing of zero‐deforestation cattle agreements (CAs). During 2013–2018, nearly 1.1 million head sold directly from private properties PAs slaughterhouses in Mato Grosso, Pará, and Rondônia states. Another 2.2 linked via indirect suppliers located PAs. Most these 3.3 slaughtered originated sustainable‐use (72%), where ranching may be permitted certain cases; however, also occurred strictly units (20%) lands (8%), commercial grazing activities are illegal prohibited by CAs. Nearly half PA transactions 2013 2018 had deforestation. We estimate that approximately 2.8 participating CAs (86% total PAs). Controlling is crucial both ensure access international beef markets protect critical biodiversity regions Amazon rainforest.