Estimate of the Brazilian population living in the Atlantic Forest biome.

Abstract

The Atlantic Forest Biome, historically marked by intense human occupation, hosts the majority of Brazil's population despite covering only a fraction of the national territory. However, available population estimates lack methodological transparency, undermining their application in public policies and conservation strategies. This study aims to rigorously estimate the number of inhabitants living within the limits of the Atlantic Forest Biome, considering two official territorial boundaries: the area defined by the Atlantic Forest Law, 2006 and the domain defined by Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, 2019. Using data from the 2022 Demographic Census and a standardized criterion for municipal inclusion, results indicate that approximately 57% of the Brazilian population resides within the Atlantic Forest Biome. This figure is lower than those reported in the literature but still represents a significant number, considering the biome covers approximately 15% of Brazil's continental territory. These findings underscore the need for demographic studies based on replicable methods to support planning of policies aimed at conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of the Atlantic Forest.