International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 71-79 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 73 In Goiás, the area under sugarcane cultivation increased from 142 000 hectares in 2003 to 847,000 hectares by 2013, demonstrating the crop’s aggressive expansion into new agricultural frontiers. This expansion has been fueled by the bioethanol market and the region’s favorable agricultural conditions (Spera et al., 2017). In the context of Southern Africa, an assessment found almost 6 million hectares of suitable land available for sugarcane cultivation, suggesting considerable growth potential without immediate detrimental impacts on biodiversity or food security, contingent on sustainable management practices (Watson, 2011). These figures illustrate the dynamic nature of land use changes associated with sugarcane, driven by its economic value and growing global demand for renewable energy sources. The continued expansion of sugarcane cultivation poses challenges and opportunities for sustainable agricultural practices and regional economic development. 2 Impacts on Habitat 2.1 Description of natural habitats displaced by sugarcane cultivation Sugarcane cultivation often requires the conversion of natural habitats into agricultural fields. This conversion leads to significant changes in the landscape and has profound impacts on local ecosystems. The natural habitats most commonly affected by sugarcane expansion include tropical rainforests, savannahs, and wetlands. Tropical rainforests, such as those in Brazil and Southeast Asia, are particularly vulnerable. These ecosystems are rich in biodiversity, containing a vast array of plant and animal species. The conversion of rainforests into sugarcane fields typically results in the loss of this biodiversity and disrupts crucial ecological functions such as carbon storage, water cycle regulation, and soil conservation. The case of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil is a notable example, where large areas have been converted for sugarcane production, leading to habitat fragmentation and species loss (Degefa and Saito, 2017). Wetlands are also commonly affected by sugarcane cultivation, especially in regions like southern Africa and parts of Asia. These areas provide critical services such as flood mitigation, water purification, and habitat for water-dependent species. Sugarcane expansion into these areas often leads to altered hydrological conditions, which can reduce the ability of these ecosystems to provide these essential services. In Zambia, for instance, the expansion of sugarcane into wetland areas has significantly altered the hydrological dynamics of the Kafue River, affecting water availability and quality for downstream ecosystems and human use (German et al., 2020). 2.2 Case studies of specific ecosystems affected 2.2.1 The Brazilian Atlantic Forest The Atlantic Forest in Brazil has been dramatically impacted by sugarcane cultivation. This region, once lush with diverse flora and fauna, has seen significant portions of its area cleared for agriculture. The sugarcane industry, in particular, has been a major driver of deforestation in this area, leading to habitat loss and fragmentation. This has had a dire impact on local biodiversity, including numerous species of birds, mammals, and insects, many of which are endemic to the region. The destruction of this habitat also affects local communities that rely on the forest for resources and ecological services (Degefa and Saito, 2017). 2.2.2 Wetlands in Southern Africa In southern Africa, sugarcane cultivation has expanded into areas that were once wetlands. This has implications for biodiversity and the ecological health of the region. Wetlands are critical for maintaining regional water cycles, supporting aquatic life, and providing resources for local human populations. The conversion of these areas into sugarcane fields has led to a decrease in water quality and availability, changes in sedimentation patterns, and a loss of habitat for waterfowl and other wetland-specific species. German et al. (2020) study from Zambia provides a detailed look at how sugarcane expansion is altering the landscape and impacting the ecological functions of wetlands. The displacement of natural habitats due to sugarcane cultivation highlights the need for more sustainable agricultural practices that consider the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Strategies such as the integration of biodiversity conservation into agricultural planning, the restoration of degraded lands, and the adoption of more sustainable agricultural techniques could help mitigate some of these impacts.
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