Autor: Leticia Benavalli

The Cerrado, often referred to as the “birthplace of waters,” is one of the most biodiverse and ecologically significant regions in Brazil and the world. Covering over 2 million square kilometers, the Cerrado is home to an astonishing variety of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. This unique savanna ecosystem plays a crucial role in maintaining regional and global environmental health. The Cerrado is home to more than 12,000 plant species, nearly half of which are endemic. It also shelters a wide array of wildlife, including iconic species such as the maned wolf, jaguar, giant anteater, and the giant armadillo. Acting as a vital water reservoir, its numerous rivers and streams feed major South American river systems such as the Amazon, São Francisco, and Paraná, with its vegetation playing a crucial role in maintaining water cycles and supporting agricultural activities far beyond its borders. Furthermore, the Cerrado’s vegetation helps sequester carbon, playing a significant role in mitigating climate change and maintaining regional and global climate stability. However, the Cerrado faces numerous threats. Agricultural expansion, primarily for soy and cattle farming, leads to habitat destruction, fragmentation, and a loss of biodiversity. Illegal logging and land clearing contribute to rapid deforestation, endangering its unique flora and fauna. Both natural and human-induced fires, exacerbated by land-use changes and climate change, pose a constant threat. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns due to climate change are altering the Cerrado’s delicate balance, affecting species survival and ecosystem health. At Pró-Onça, we are dedicated to conserving the Cerrado and its incredible biodiversity. Through habitat restoration projects, sustainable land-use practices, and community engagement, we work to safeguard this vital ecosystem. Our efforts include restoring degraded areas by replanting native vegetation and recovering the ecological functions of degraded lands, promoting sustainable agricultural practices with local communities and farmers, developing and implementing fire management strategies to prevent uncontrolled wildfires and protect vulnerable areas, and conducting extensive research to understand the impacts of climate change and other threats on the Cerrado, providing data to inform conservation strategies. Join us in our mission to protect the Cerrado. By raising awareness, supporting sustainable practices, and participating in conservation efforts, we can ensure that this vital ecosystem continues to thrive for generations to come. Stay tuned for more updates on our work and how you can get involved in preserving the Cerrado’s unique natural heritage.

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the field! A giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus) and a jaguar (Panthera onca) have been spotted in Pirineus State Park, marking significant milestones for our conservation efforts in the region. These rare and elusive species have not been observed in the park for several years, making their recent appearances all the more remarkable. The presence of the giant armadillo is a testament to the success of our ongoing habitat restoration and wildlife monitoring programs. Known for their impressive size and unique burrowing habits, giant armadillos are considered a keystone species due to their ecological role in creating burrows that provide shelter for many other animals. Their appearance indicates a healthy and thriving ecosystem, as they require large, undisturbed habitats to survive. Equally exciting is the sighting of a jaguar, a symbol of biodiversity and ecological health. Jaguars are apex predators and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Their presence in Pirineus State Park signals the effectiveness of our conservation strategies and the park’s potential as a sanctuary for these magnificent creatures. These discoveries underscore the importance of our conservation initiatives in Pirineus State Park, highlighting the need for continued efforts to protect and preserve this vital habitat. By safeguarding the habitats of key species like the giant armadillo and jaguar, we are not only ensuring their survival but also promoting biodiversity and ecological balance within the park. The sightings also serve as a reminder of the critical role local communities play in conservation. Through collaborative efforts, education, and sustainable practices, we can create environments where both wildlife and humans coexist harmoniously. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor the giant armadillo, jaguar, and other wildlife in Pirineus State Park. Your support is crucial in helping us achieve our mission to protect these incredible creatures and their habitats. Together, we can make a difference and celebrate these remarkable conservation victories.