Islands of forest in a sea of savanna
In the savanna landscapes of the Brazilian Amazon, patches of dense forest appear like islands. For centuries, scientists assumed these were natural formations. Research pioneered by ethnobiologist Darrell A. Posey in the 1970s and 1980s revealed a different story: many of these "islands," known to the Kayapó people as apete, are human-made artifacts. This form of agroforestry is a method of ecological engineering that transforms the open savanna, or campo, into areas of biodiversity and useful resources.
The process begins with the selection of a slight depression in the savanna, chosen for its ability to retain moisture. The Kayapó then construct a mound using nutrient-rich materials like mulch, leaves, and the soil from termite and ant nests. Into this fertile base, they introduce seeds, seedlings, and cuttings of desired plants. These initial plantings often include fast-growing crops like sweet potatoes, yams, and bananas, which can be harvested for several years. Alongside these are slower-growing fruit trees, medicinal plants, palms, and even water-producing vines, all carefully chosen and transplanted from other areas. The result is a managed ecosystem that evolves over time, from a small planting mound into a mature, self-sustaining forest patch that attracts wildlife and supports the community.