In the past, it was common to sight groups of vinaceous-breasted amazons flying over the canopy in the forest of the Araucárias National Park, SC. However, human actions such as deforestation and illegal poaching, drastically reduced the number of theses birds, which led to the extinction of the specie on site.
In order to change this reality, in 2010 we started the Amazona vinacea reintroduction project, providing all the necessary support to facilitate the formation of a viable population in the long run. Up to date, 186 parrots have been released on site: 13 birds in January 2011, 30 birds in September 2012, 33 birds in June 2015, 7 birds in March 2016, 30 birds in June 2017, 40 birds in October 2018 and 33 in March 2019. All birds undergo a rigorous rehabilitation process, including clinical and laboratory tests, genetic analysis and behavioral training to prepare them for life in the wild.
After an acclimation period in the park, the parrots are set free and monitored monthly by our team and members of the community. For technical information on the project, check out the publications. You can also follow our day to day in our social networks.
Environmental education is also an important part of our actions. We visit all rural communities around the Araucárias Natinal Park and several cities in the state of Santa Catarina. The employment and incoming generation project for the local community follows the green economy model, generating economic development, social inclusion and conservation of endangered species.
For behavioral training, we currently have two masters and doctoral projects that aim to train parrots to escape predators and to recognize and distinguish the feeding and dormitory environment. One of the projects, entitled "The role of environmental enrichment in the behavioral preparation of purple-breasted-parrots (Amazona vinacea) for reintroduction in Araucarias National Park, SC" consists of the preparation, offering and analysis of environmental enrichment during the rehabilitation of parrots that are in the Instituto Espaço Silvestre. In addition, there is training so that parrots can stay in one area during the day and another at night, simulating the natural areas of food and dormitory. On the other hand, the PhD project titled "Anti-predator training of purple-breasted-parrots in the rehabilitation process for reintroduction" is to test the abilities of response to predators during the parrot rehabilitation process. First, parrots will be exposed to visual and auditory cues from predators to assess each individual's recognition and flight skills. Depending on the results of this test, parrots that do not possess these skills will undergo anti-predator training. The purpose of this training is to ensure that the animals have the appropriate detection and defense skills for predators necessary for survival in nature.
Studying the genetics of populations is important for species conservation and the environment where they live. Nature is constantly changing and in order to adapt to those changes, species and/or populations need to have genetic variability (individuals need to be genetically different). But to ensure genetic diversity, it is necessary to know it first.
In addition, genetic analysis allow researchers to advice and help captive breeding programs, choosing the best genetic pairs, in other words, those individuals who have a lower chance of kinship. It also allows us to better understand the dynamics of couples released in the Araucárias National Park and analyze the paternity of chicks born in the wild.
Analyses are being held at São Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu by the biologist Dr. Flavia Torres Presti and the biology student Paula Akkawi de Freitas.
Up to this moment we conducted genetic analyzes of 60 released amazons and of one chick born in the wild. In order to compare the genetic variability, we conducted analysis of 60 captive individuals. The data show that the genetic diversity of the Vinaceous-breasted amazon is similar to other parrot species, both endangered or not. Furthermore, there is no difference between the genetic diversity of released and captive amazons. Also there is no gene clusters. These results mean that the reintroduced animals are possibly representing the genetic diversity found within the species. This is a promising result for medium and long term conservation purposes, since it is important that the population has genetic variability in order to survive potential environmental changes. With these results we also have more knowledge to monitor and select new individuals for future reintroductions aiming higher genetic diversity in the wild population.
The genetic analysis of Mamale, one of the wildborn chicks indicate that it is probably an offspring of selected individuals for genetic sampling among the ones reintroduced in September 2012. New analysis will be needed to clarify these kinship relations.
The environmental education program was created in order to share information about the importance of the presence of the vinaceous-breasted amazon in the Araucárias National park region and its main threats which include humans actions such as illegal poaching and habitat loss.
In addition to visits to properties, educational activities are conducted monthly in schools and local businesses. We also give seminars all over Brasil and in conferences around the world. Over 2 million people has been reached by our eductional activities!
A campaign to raise the awareness about the vinaceous-breasted amazon was initiated with the distribution of educational brochures, comic books for children, stickers and magnets.
Some released parrots visit rural properties giving local residents the opportunity to see the birds demonstrating the importance of the educational program for the project's success. The species, which became extinct from the site due to human actions, is now protected by the locals.
The project to generate employment and income for the local community encourages economic development, social inclusion and conservation of endangered species such as the vinaceous-breasted amazons.
Since its beggining in 2013, this project aims to add economic value to the presence of amazons in the wild, by creating economic opportunities for women living around the Araucárias National Park. Their income has increased 62% in 3 years by creating and selling handcrafted products with environmental themes.
The group is known as "Amigas dos Roxinhos" (“friends of the little purple one”, in reference of the bird´s breast color) produces T-shirts, aprons, bags, garbage bags for cars and varied items. Products are now available and all the value reverts to the artisans and local associations. Check them out in our shop.
In September of 2015, the Protection Network was created for the purple-breasted parrot to respond to events involving loose parrots. This initiative effectively improved communication among local authorities, resulting in increased surveillance and efforts to rescue wild birds in the Park, bringing direct and indirect benefits to loose parrots.
The network includes members of the Espaço Silvestre Institute, the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation, the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources, the Environment Foundation of Santa Catarina, the Military Environmental Police, the Civil Police, the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Araucarias National Park and Municipalities of Passos Maia and Serrada Bridge.
Reintroducton of vinaceous-breasted amazon (Amazona vinacea) in the Araucárias National Park
Date/Period: from august 2010 until present time
Main results: Preparation, release and monitoring of 153 vinaceous-breasted amazon in Araucarias National Park as a tool for reintroduction of the species on site. Environmental education activities in all communities around the park, and several cities in Brazil. Employment and income generation for communities living around the park.
Ecology, conservation population density of common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncantus) in the Laguna (SC) area
Date/Period: august 2007 until july 2009
Main results: This project focuses on the Environmental Protection Area of the Right Whale , IBAMA -SC . The main objective is to provide technical support for the implementation of conservation measures for this species , through the characterization of the ecology, population density, compared with artisanal fisheries , evaluation of ethnological knowledge of artisanal fishermen in the area , mapping of fishing areas and identification of artisanal fisheries use conflicts with the population of Tursiops truncatus occurring in the protect area.
Partners: Fundação O Boticário de Proteção à Natureza, Federal University of Santa Catarina and IBAMA.
Monitoring the Sotalia fluviatis dolphin in North Bay
Date/Period: Start february 2006 until february 2007
Main results: This project focuses on areas of REBIO Arboretum, APA 's Anhatomirim and surrounding area of these units and ESEC Carijós . Its main goal is to provide technical support for the implementation of conservation measures for this species , through the characterization of artisanal fisheries , evaluation of etnoelógico knowledge of artisanal fishermen in the area , mapping of fishing areas and identification of artisanal fisheries use conflicts with the population of Sotalia fluviatis occurring and the protect areas related.
Partners: Fundação O Boticário de Proteção à Natureza, Federal University of Santa Catarina and IBAMA.
Environmental education program in the watershed of the Ratones river
Date/Period: may 2006 until april 2009
Main results: Continuity of all activities of Environmental Education and Communal Mobilization of the watershed of the Ratones River by expanding the number of schools, students , community and teachers involved . Highlights are: Customer Service in the unit 's headquarters, which has already received about 4,500 students in Childhood Education , Elementary , High school and Upper public and private institutions; Project " Magic Eye " that develops environmental awareness activities during the school year with 6 classes of 3rd and 4th grades and ; Community Mobilization Program , which was developed since 2001 and 2005 , has direct participation in the Permanent Forum of Community Associations of the Ratones River , contributing to the achievement of important seminars that address environmental issues such as urban planning and sanitation.
Partners: IBAMA, Permanent Forum of Community Associations of the Ratones River, Municipal Board of Education (E.B.M. Mâncio Costa, Escola Desdobrada Marcolino José de Lima, Escola Básica Municipal de Jurerê e Escola Básica Municipal da Praia do Forte), Franklin Cascaes Foundation and Federal Public Ministry.
Environmental education program in the watershed of Saco Grande
Date/Period: october 2004 until january 2008
Main results: Training Course on Environmental Education for teachers and students from public schools in the communities of João Paulo , Monte Verde and Saco Grande , developed since 2005, and completed in December 2006. Has its continuation in 2007 , by developing elaborate projects during the training meetings ; Criaventura group , being developed since 2005 with a group of 30 children and teenagers from the neighborhood of Saco Grande region where activities of art -education are carried out, through the maracatu , crafts and dance workshops, as well as lectures , videos and field activities on topics related to education and children's citizenship; Community mobilization and support for the creation and coordination of the Social Saco Grande Forum, which integrates most community associations of the area, through weekly meetings, forwarding actions aimed at improving the population's quality of life and participation in development the Participative Master Plan of Florianópolis.
Parcerias: Social Saco Grande Forum e Subnucleus in the watershed of Saco Grande ( Participative Master Plan of Florianópolis), Board of residents of Saco Grande (COMOSG), Cultural association Arrasta Ilha, Municipal Board of Education, Management education, science and technology of estate (GEECT), Federal Public Ministry e IBAMA.
Implementation of the management plan for the Estação Ecológica de Carijós
Date/Period: march 2006 until february 2009
Main results: This project had 6 specific objectives, 14 goals and 54 activities that cover all activities of the Instituto Carijós in ESEC Carijós, also dealing with the management approach activities with REBIO of Arboretum, APA 's Anhatomirim and RESEX of Pirajubaé .
Partners: Pilot Program for the Protection of Tropical Forests in Brazil , subprogram
DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS – PDA (Components Conservation Actions of the Atlantic Forest, the Ministry of the Environment); German bank - KFW; GTZ, Permanent Forum of Community Associations of the Ratones River and Fishermen Association of the Ratones River.
Preparation and Proposal of definition of the buffer zone of ESEC Carijós
Date/Period: september until december 2005
Main results: Land use and vegetation mapping and environmental legislation in the incident hydrographic watersheds surrounding the ESEC Carijós (Saco Grande, Ratones, Santo Antônio de Lisboa, Cacupé, Sambaqui, Ponta Grossa, Jurerê e parte de Ingleses, Lagoa da Conceição e Itacorubi); Proposal of environmental zoning of the study area ; proposed to create an ordinance and a Management Manual of the buffer zone.
Partners: ESEC Carijós e DIREC – IBAMA, Habitasul Group and Advisory Council from ESEC Carijós.
Water analysis laboratory from Estação Ecológica de Carijós
Date/Period: july 2005 until december 2006
Results: Implementation and coordination of quality monitoring activities of the waters of the watersheds from Ratones River and Saco Grande , in order to support increased knowledge of occurring environmental processes in this protected area , thus contributing to decision making by IBAMA , front environmental issues its jurisdiction.
Partners: Federal University of Santa Catarina, CNPQ, Federal Public Ministry e IBAMA.
Environmental Education Program from ESEC Carijós
Date/Period: march 2004 until may 2005
Main results: Implementing environmental awareness project in Dr. Paulo Fontes Municipal Elementary School no Bairro Santo Antônio de Lisboa and in Luiz Cândido da Luz School, in the neighborhood Vargem do Bom Jesus; attendance over 1000 students from elementary school, high school and higher education, both public and private institutions, lecturing and conducting field trips in ESEC Carijós; participation of numerous meetings planning from Ratones Housing Association and continuing the Carijós little friend program, performing numerous educational activities and field trips .
Partners: Beneficent Association of Ratones Residents – AMORA, Habitasul Group and IBAMA
Environmental Education Program from ESEC Carijós
Date/Period: march 2004 until may 2005
Main results: Implementing environmental awareness project at Mâncio Costa Municipal Elementary School and Marcolino José de Lima School, in the neighborhood of Ratones and Barra de Sambaqui; costumer services providing lectures and conducting field trips at ESEC Carijós, community mobilization.
Partners: IBAMA, Beneficent Association of Ratones Residents, Forum of Community Associations of the Ratones River, Fishermen Association of Ratones River and Community Council from Barra de Sambaqui, Mâncio Costa Municipal Elementary School, Marcolino José de Lima School and Habitasul Group.
Envirnmental Education Program from ESEC Carijós
Date/Period: january until december 2002
Main results: Carijos little friends program with over than 60 students from a public school surrounding the unit; Development of environmental awareness project with 2 classes of 3º degree from a public school from surrounding ESEC Carijós; it was produced the first number of newspaper called Ô Vizinho for the surrounding community and the launch of the unit homepage.
Partners: IBAMA and Environmental Ministry/ Protect Areas Board of Directors.
Supporting the creation and implantation of the Advisory Council of ESEC Carijós
Date/Period: second semester of 2002
Main results: Council created in operation , consisting of 23 institutions involved.
Partners: IBAMA.
Sustainable Development Plan Surrounding the Estação Ecológica de Carijós
Date/Period: january until july 2002
Main results: performance of 8 specific diagnosis: Vegetation, Use of the soil and their main impact; Fauna; Socio economic characterization; Aquaculture surrounding ESEC Carijós; Handicraft surrounding ESEC Carijós; Historical and architectural heritage as tourist attractions; Natural heritage with tourist attractions and; Land situation. These diagnoses supported the participatory development of 7 (seven) thematic projects: Certification of Environmentally Sustainable activities; Permanent forum for discussion of environmental socio problemas; Strengthening Organic Agriculture; Crafts and Cultural Rescue; Sustainable Tourism Development; Artisanal Fisheries and Divulgation.
Partners: IBAMA, University of Southern Santa Catarina– UNISUL; Association of Fishermen of the Ratones River; Organic Farmers Association of Ratones and Sambaqui Housing Association, Ministry of the Environment - National Fund for the Environment.
Management Plan for the Estação Ecológica de Carijós
Date/Period: march 2001 until february 2003
Main results: Management Plan for the Development of Estação Ecológica de Carijós , approved and published in IBAMA Ordinance in September 2003, covering all management programs provided by the DIREC-IBAMA/DF, with technical and budget detailed description to five years of activities for implementation of unit. The activities were planned in a participatory manner with IBAMA and the surrounding community.
Partners: IBAMA.
Partnerships in the implementation of Project " Watershed Knowledge and Management of the Ratones River and its Mangrove " developed by the Federal University of Santa Catarina ( UFSC) through the Marine Studies Center (NEMAR)
Date/Period: 2000
Main results: Development of teacher training activities and community leaders to monitor the quality of the rivers from the watershed of the Ratones River .
Partners: IBAMA e Federal University of Santa Catarina.
Orientation Program and Environmental Education of Estação Ecológica de Carijós
Date/Period: january until october 2001
Main results: Voluntary Environmental Monitoring project developed with five schools and three community organizations; realization of Participatory Fast Diagnosis Surrounding the ESEC Carijós with communities; Customer Service through lectures and field trips with schools and universities and beginning of little friends Program of Carijós.
Partners: IBAMA, UFSC e Mãncio Costa Municipal Elementary School.
Consolidation plan for the Estação Ecológica de Carijós
Date/Period: march until june 2000
Main results: divulgation of the unit and symbolic commitment to private institution donation to finance people to work in the Management Plan
Partners: IBAMA e Habitasul Group.
Pro -Deployment Campaign from the Estação Ecológica de Carijós
Date/Period: july 1999
Main results: divulgation of the unit and symbolic commitment to private institution donation to finance people to work in the Management Plan
Partners: IBAMA e Habitasul Group.