Eight jaguars and six giant otters, among other “threatened” species, are part of the mammal, reptile and bird species that were recorded by Conexión Jaguar, the sustainability program of ISA and its affiliate ISA CTEEP in alliance with South Pole and Panthera. These results were possible thanks to the installation of 48 camera traps in Serra do Amolar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is part of the largest wetland on the planet located in Brazil.
This partnership supports the Instituto Homen Pantaneiro’s project to carry out conservation actions in 76.855 hectares of forests and wetlands, prevent fires through constant monitoring and contribute to climate change mitigation through the reduction of emissions of approximately 46.000 tons of CO2 per year, which will later enable the project to market carbon credits certified to high international standards to complement biodiversity conservation and community development.
Among the 49 species recorded, the presence of seven of them, classified as “threatened” on the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, stands out: giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) – endangered; jaguar (Panthera onca) – near threatened; giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus) – vulnerable; tapir (Tapirus terrestris) – vulnerable; giant anteater (Mrmecophaga tridactyla) – vulnerable; white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) – vulnerable, and bare-faced curassow (Crax fasciolata) – vulnerable.
In addition to the seven endangered species, 42 other species of mammals, reptiles and birds were recorded, demonstrating the success of conservation actions in the area, at a time when both animals and humans are looking for a safe haven to protect themselves and stay at home.
They are threatened and Conexión Jaguar supports their protection.
Giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) – endangered
The giant otter has a low tolerance to disturbances in its habitat, so its presence indicates good conservation conditions in the area. In addition, because it has aquatic habits, it is an indicator of good water quality and a healthy fish community. Sometimes fishermen consider them as competition, so they occasionally try to hunt them.
Painted onca (Panthera onca) – near threatened
The jaguar has the ability to regulate the distribution, abundance, and behavior of the animals it feeds on, maintaining the dynamics of ecological processes. Its presence indicates a good state of ecosystem health, as it is sensitive to hunting, contaminated water sources and changes in cover due to land use for agriculture, mining, and cattle ranching.
Giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus) – vulnerable
The burrows built by giant armadillos create new types of habitats that are used by other species as resting and foraging sites, so it is considered a habitat engineer. In addition, their burrows have tunnels that help water infiltration and nutrient distribution in the forest floor. It has been estimated that its population has decreased by 30% due to deforestation, hunting for meat consumption and illegal trafficking, among other factors.
South American Tapir (Tapirus terrestris) – vulnerable
The tapir is one of the largest mammals in the forests of South America. It is known as “the architect of the jungle” since they feed on different fruits and are therefore good seed dispersers, helping the regeneration of the forest. In addition, due to their enormous size and great weight (150 to 250 kg), as they make their way through the plants, they create paths that are then used by various animals. Among its main threats are hunting and habitat loss.
Conexión Jaguar, a commitment to the planet
By 2030, the program has set a goal of conserving 400.000 hectares of Jaguar Corridor forest in Latin America and reducing 9 million tons of CO2. To date, 436.533 hectares have been protected, 139 species of fauna recorded and a reduction potential of 4 million tons of CO2 between the seven forestry projects in Colombia, Brazil, and Peru. More information at conexionjaguar.org
