Does certification improve biodiversity conservation in Brazilian coffee farms

摘要: Abstract Socio-environmental certification uses evaluation criteria to promote the conservation of natural environment and landscape connectivity, with aim constructing agricultural landscapes more suitable for biodiversity conservation. To test this, we examine whether socio-environmental Brazilian coffee farms contributes local conservation, particularly in terms deforestation control, habitat protection regeneration, connectivity. The analysis compared changes structure connectivity certified before (1995–2002) after nine years from beginning process (2002–2011), using as a reference surrounding control group non-certified farms. quantify used probabilistic indices functional based on graph theory, two species terrestrial mammals contrasting dispersal capacities requirements: Priodontes maximus (giant armadillo) Marmosops incanus (gray slender mouse opossum). Our results show that last decade have been subtle, but differ areas greater availability both land cover types, P. maximus. difference between is not clear-cut, however, evidence contributed than studied when balance gains losses considered. subtle differences temporal groups might be partially explained by fact already had different profile at process. Despite limitations sampling size (small number) time scale (only certification) which may hinders detection effects, our findings indicate was important controlling conversion new lands.