Historical dynamics of wetlands in the Brazilian savanna: response of Mauritia flexuosa swamps ( Veredas ) to 20,000 years of climate variability

Temperature rise and SASM-driven precipitation variability were the primary drivers of vereda development during the last 20 kyr. Regional differences in palm expansion reflect spatially distinct monsoon influences and elevation constraints. As a keystone species, M. flexuosa likely reshaped wetland ecosystems, with implications for biodiversity and hydrological functioning. Understanding these past dynamics informs predictions of vereda resilience under future warming and groundwater pressures, supporting conservation strategies.