INTRODUCING BRAZIL - Brazil - page 17

The sertão (see p233) is a semi-arid
region in the interior of Brazil's
northeast and parts of northern
Minas Gerais. The essentially barren
landscape, dominated by caatinga ,
is a uniquely Brazilian habitat. The
sertão receives very little rainfall
during the dry months, and is largely
strewn with cacti and thorny shrubs.
There are periods of intense drought,
which makes it a harsh environment
for wildlife and people alike. As
a result, much of the flora and fauna
have specially adapted themselves to
the lack of water.

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0 miles 500

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The cerrado (see pp296-7) features wide
expanses of open, tropical grassland
scattered with small, closed canopy forests.
Brazil's central plateau is the world's most
biologically rich savanna with over 10,000
plant species.

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Mata Atlântica (see
p109) , or the Atlantic
rainforest, is a 4,600-mile
(7,400-km) coastal band
endowed with a stunning
diversity of landscapes,
from the granite peaks and
sheer cliffs of the Great
Escarpment to the beautiful
white sands and surf of
the Costa do Sol.

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