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Great discoveries in the Amazon
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In our times, as almost every corner of the earth has been explored, the discovery of new large mammals is a real sensation. During the last years a number of unknown terrestrial and aquatic mammal species have been identified in the Rio Aripuanã basin in Brazil (part of the Central Amazon Basin), among them several primate species, one giant peccary, a dwarf form of the Amazonian freshwater manatee, a dwarf tapir, a second giant anteater, a second paca - only to name a few. Further unknown species are assumed to live in this region. Altogether, they make up an amazing variety of hidden Amazonian wildlife. |
| The Amazon Rainforest is known for its rich biodiversity as well as for
its major endangerment through rapid deforestation and industrial agriculture.
In fact, the timber industry, followed by soybeans farmers, advances more
and more areas in the so far intact jungle, whose inhabitants are threatened
with extinction. To prevent the proceeding destruction of this unique biosphere,
the creation of nature reserves is essential. With the spectacular discovery
of new species, not only the interest of the local and worldwide publicity,
but also a change of mind of the responsible authorities might be attained.
Moreover, the scientific registration of these "new" species is crucial,
since only officially registered species can benefit by large-scaled protection,
e.g. within the frame of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The conservation of biodiversity in such a rich area like the Rio Aripuanã Basin requires a rapid action.
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In 2006 the Stiftung Artenschutz, in cooperation with the Association
Hiléia, supported
two expeditions to the area Juma and the following scientific workup of the
gained data. The indigenous river people ("Caboclos") already knew a lot
about new-to-science animal species and their cooperation was a tremendous
help. A number of data on the animals are gained. After their revision,
scientific publications are planned as well as further public relations for
the project. However, even before the scientific evaluation is finished,
a great success has been achieved: the area has been declared a reserve by
the Brazilian government. It is now a "Protectorate of Sustainable Development
(RDS)", which is the first of the four possible Brazilian conservation
categories. Again in partnership with Hiléia, the Stiftung Artenschutz
will get involved in the further protection of the RDS
Juma and its biodiversity
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| Stiftung Artenschutz thanks the Schellenberg Foundation
for its financial support and close cooperation!
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