There’s good reason for it too, because camera traps are an extremely important part of our project. They allow us to monitor the progress and impact of our restoration efforts.
In Brazil, our team is analysing the images captured by these camera traps, alongside audio-recordings, to monitor the animals that inhabit the forests. Fernando Lima, the project coordinator of IPE, explains that “we will have a better knowledge, ecologically speaking, of the voices and faces of the species that are living in and using the forests of the region”. He goes on, “with this data, we will be able to inform even more the methodologies for biodiversity conservation in the region”.
On that note, here are some of the amazing and elusive animals we have managed to catch on camera.
Jaguar (Panthera onca)
A mere 300 individuals are estimated to be living in the Atlantic Forest, where habitat loss and fragmentation are threatening populations. It is the largest cat of the Americas, but its size is not enough to protect it. The jaguar is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN across its range.
Puma (Puma concolor)
The puma is an extremely adaptable cat and one of the most widespread mammals in the western hemisphere. However, pumas are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation and populations are declining as a result. The puma is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN because of its widespread distribution.
Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
The species is widespread throughout Central and South America, though it has become locally extinct from much of its range. There are a number of threats causing population declines of giant anteaters, including habitat loss and the burning of sugar plantations prior to harvest. It is listed as Critically Endangered in the region of Parana in Brazil and as Vulnerable across its range.
Southern lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
Tapirs look like a combination of an elephant and a pig, though they are actually more closely related to horses and rhinos. Given the Vulnerable status of this species, their presence at our project site is particularly good news.
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