We identify and monitor High Conservation Value (HCV) areas through assessments on biological, ecological, social or cultural attributes. We have currently identified two HCV areas in the state of São Paulo and six in Bahia. As our forestry activities expand, we are working to update our maps of potential HCV areas using the criteria established by Proforest.

High Conservation Value Areas

In the state of São Paulo:

• Fazenda Nova América (117.74 hectares – HCV 1): this area has a high concentration of biological diversity, including globally, regionally or nationally significant species, such as Brazilian sassafras (Ocotea odorifera), among flora species, and South American foxes (Lycalopex vetulus), among fauna species.
• Fazenda Rio Verde (190.40 hectares – HCV 2): this is the largest fragment of Cerradão in Brazil, with a radius of 2km. It has been deemed to have HCV on the basis of its intact forest landscapes and large landscape-level ecosystems and ecosystem mosaics that are significant at global, regional or national levels, and that contain viable populations of the great majority of the naturally occurring species in natural patterns of distribution and abundance.

In the state of Bahia:

• Fazenda Santo André (229.83 hectares – HCV 1 and 3): this is an area of Cerrado with unique biodiversity at the intersection between Caatinga and Atlantic Forest. It includes a large expanse of vegetation and has been rated as HCV due to its significant concentration of biodiversity values. Species identified within the area include Andira humilis and Saltatricula atricollis, which are endemic to the Cerrado. In addition, a significant number of feline species have been identified, such as the eastern tigrina (Leopardus emiliae), jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and a large abundance of kunths (Bowdichia virgilioides).
• Fazenda Jaboticaba (197.05 hectares – HCV 1 and 3): this is one of Bracell’s smallest reserves, with 198 hectares of Atlantic Forest formations. It harbors a complex ecosystem with dense broadleaf forests and restinga, as well as a well-preserved fragment of muçununga. This area harbors species that are bioindicators of environmental quality, such as Turk’s cap cactus (Melocactus violaceus), white-winged cotinga (Xipholena atropurpurea), Coimbra Filho’s titi (Callicebus coimbrai) and centrolenid frog (Vitreorana baliomma).
• Lontra RPPN (1,378.16 hectares – HCV 1, 2 and 3): the largest private reserve along the north coast of Bahia. This ancient remnant of ombrophilous forest hosts a vast array of biodiversity and is the area with the highest herpetological and ornithological diversity monitored by Bracell in Bahia. Among the species found are the bearded capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus), Rio rocket frog (Allobates olfercioides), papa-taoca-da-bahia (Peryglena atrla) and assai palm (Euterpes edulis). The only known sightings of Southern American bushmasters (Lachesis muta) along the northern coast of Bahia were within the Lontra reserve.
• Fazenda Raiz (675.77 hectares – HCV 1 and 3): an area of Caatinga within the Agreste region of Bahia. Fazenda Raiz harbors a significant diversity of animal and plant species that are typical of this biome. These include a substantial population of eastern tigrina (Leopardus emiliae), the only feline species that is endemic to Brazil.