Fabaceae in the Morro do Macaco Environmental Protection Area (EPA), Iporá, Goiás, Brazil

The Fabaceae is one of the most diverse and ecologically important angiosperm families, widely used in human activities and strongly represented in the Brazilian Cerrado. The Cerrado, the world’s most diverse savanna, is severely threatened by anthropogenic pressures. Despite its high richness, large portions of its flora remain poorly studied. This study focuses on the floristic survey of Fabaceae in the Morro do Macaco EPA, located in Iporá, Goiás (Brazil), aiming to provide baseline taxonomic data to support ecological, molecular, and conservation research. Fieldwork was conducted through periodic collections following traditional methods. Fertile specimens were collected, prepared as herbarium vouchers, and identified using specialized literature, virtual herbaria, and consultation with experts. So far, 35 species belonging to 21 genera and three subfamilies (Cercidoideae, Caesalpinioideae, and Papilionoideae) have been recorded. Caesalpinioideae (including mimosoid clade) was the most diverse, with 18 species, followed by Papilionoideae with 16 species, and Cercidoideae with 2 species (Bauhinia brevipes and Bauhinia ungulata). The most species-rich genus was Chamaecrista (five spp.), followed by Centrosema and Mimosa (four spp. each). Inga and Senegalia were represented by three species each. These results highlight the high taxonomic diversity of legumes within this relatively small conservation unit of the Cerrado and a relatively short survey. Our findings reinforce the importance of regional floristic inventories as essential tools for conservation planning, since they provide critical information for biodiversity assessments. The Morro do Macaco EPA harbors a significant richness of Fabaceae, supporting its role as a priority area for the preservation of Cerrado flora, despite historical anthropogenic impacts and limited local conservation support. Future efforts will expand this baseline by assessing endemism and conservation status and producing a photographic guide.