Livestock
Climate Policy Iniative
https://www.climatepolicyinitiative.org/publication/increasing-cattle-productivity-in-the-amazon-requires-new-technologies/
The number one cause of deforestation in the Amazon is cattle ranching, which accounts for about 80% of forest loss (Killeen, 2023). This activity is most concentrated in the southern Amazon, particularly in Brazil and Bolivia (Goulding, 2003). The process typically involves logging the forest, burning the remaining vegetation, planting non-native grasses, and then introducing cattle.
Beyond deforestation, cattle ranching poses other environmental threats. Overgrazing by cattle compacts the soil, making it harder for plant roots and fungal mycelium to penetrate. Additionally, cattle produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Their manure contributes to runoff that can cause algal blooms and emits nitrous oxide, another highly potent greenhouse gas (Moeletsi, 2015).
Most cattle ranching in the Amazon is carried out by smallholders (Killeen, 2023), who often use adverse possession to claim land. Adverse possession is a legal doctrine that allows individuals to gain ownership of land by occupying and economically developing it over a period of years. In this context, "improving" the land usually means converting forest into pasture. Unfortunately, this legal mechanism is also used to claim tribal land, resulting in conflicts. Indigenous communities, such as the Guajajara in the Arariboia territory, have experienced violence and even killings as a result (Mendes, 2024).
Once smallholders secure legal title to the land, they often sell it for profit—typically to soy farmers or large-scale cattle operations (Killeen, 2023). Among these large operations, JBS stands out as the world's largest meatpacking company (Watts, 2025). JBS claims to source its beef sustainably to avoid deforestation (JBS, 2023), but its track record, which includes allegations of bribery and corruption, casts doubt on these claims (Sorvino, 2025). JBS has been implicated in cattle laundering, a practice where cattle from illegal ranches are funneled through legal operations to mask their origins (Watts, 2025).
Brazil is both the largest producer and consumer of Amazonian beef (Killeen, 2023). In addition to cattle, water buffalo are also raised in the Amazon, particularly in riparian zones. These animals are better adapted to wet environments but bring similar ecological issues. In fact, they often forage more aggressively and have been known to destroy local vegetation, including iconic giant water lilies (Victoria sp.) (Goulding, 2003).
References:
Killeen Timothy J.(2023) A Perfect Storm in the Amazon Wilderness Second Edition
Goulding Michael, Barthem Ronaldo, Ferreira Efrem (2003) The Smithsonian Atlas of the Amazon
Moeletsi, Mokhele Edmund. Tongwane, Mphethe Isaac. (March 31, 2015) 2004 Methane and Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Manure Management in South Africa PubMed
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4494408/
Reydon, Bastiaan. Siqueria, Gabriel Pansani. Passos. Delaide Silva. Honer, Stephan. (December 22, 2022) Unclear Land Rights and Deforestation: Pieces of Evidence from Brazilian Reality MDPI
Mendes, Karla. (June 19, 2024) Revealed: Illegal cattle ranching booms in Arariboia territory during
Watts, Jonathan. Aranha, Ana. (April 17, 2025) JBS is likely to fail to deliver on its Amazon deforestation promise, ranchers say Cattle farmers in the Amazon describe widespread cattle laundering and rule-bending as world's largest meat company struggles to deliver on its deforestation commitments Unearthed
JBS (2023)
Sorvino, Chloe. (May 14, 2025) Despite A History Of Bribery And Corruption Among Top Shareholders, The World’s Largest Meatpacker Prepares To Go Public Forbes