Brazilian northeast region is a source of different tropical legumes, however, efforts are still necessary for ‘in situ’ and ‘ex situ’ preservation of these genetic resources. This project aims to collect legume germplasm (Desmanthus, Stylosanthes, and Macroptilium) for ‘ex situ’ preservation by forming active germplasm banks at UFRPE campus, located in Serra Talhada, PE, Brazil. Expeditions for germplasm collection were carried out in two counties (Sertânia and Serra Talhada). In each county, soil and plant samples were collected at different occurring soil types at that location, using the soil survey map for the region. In each occurring soil type, samples were collected in four different sites which were geographically referenced (lat., long., and altitude) with a GPS equipped with an altimeter. Desmanthus spp. was present in greater proportion in the Ultisols (53%). Other soil types presented similar occurrence of Desmanthus spp.: Entisols (lithic) with 41%; and Entisols (Psamments) with 6%. A total of 17 Desmanthus plants were collected and occurred in 11% of visited sites. Stylosanthes spp. was present in greater proportion in Alfisols (32%). Other soil types presented similar occurrence of Stylosanthes spp.: Entisols (lithic) with 22%; Entisols (Psamments) with 18%; Alfisols with 16%; and Ultisols with 12%. A total of 74 Stylosanthes plants were collected and occurred in 50% of visited sites. Macropitilium spp. was present in greater proportion in the Alfisol (41%). Other soil types presented similar occurrence of Macropitilium spp.: Entisols (Psamments) with 23%; Entisols (lithic) with 13%; Ultisols with 20%; and Alfisols with 2%. A total of 55 Macroptilium plants were collected and occurred in 39% of visited sites, showing the importance of this forage legume in this region. Stylosanthes spp. was the most frequent genus found in the expeditions.