Lychnocephalus mello-barretoi
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Lychnocephalus mello-barretoi faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching across its restricted range in Brazil's Cerrado savanna. Mining activities and urban development have fragmented its specialized grassland habitat, while frequent fires—both natural and human-induced—alter the vegetation structure this endemic composite requires. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat destruction.
Habitat
This endemic Brazilian composite inhabits specialized grassland and savanna environments within the Cerrado biome, typically occurring in areas with specific soil conditions and vegetation structure. The species requires intact grassland ecosystems with minimal disturbance from grazing or frequent burning.