FINANCED BY o THE EUROPEAN MAGAZINE SCIENCE Issue 06 / n 01 / 2021 / ISSN 2357 - 9056 UNION PANTANAL

MACAWS SURVIVE FIRES AND PROVIDE HOPE FOR RESILIENCE PG 36

EDIBLE PANTANEIRO OCELOT PLANTS HORSE IS INFLUENCES SUSTAIN HEARTY, PREY AND WILDLIFE AND TOUGH AND SMALLER PEOPLE EFFICIENT FELINES PG 08 PG 12 PG 16 VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 1 SOLIDARITY AND COMMITMENT

The Pantanal asked for water. The arrives. There are many plant species land of the rivers, lakes, oxbows, soda that developed protections against lakes and annual flood cycles slowly flames. For example, some have thick dried up over two consecutive years bark or roots capable of sprouting of drought. Combustible organic mat- through the ashes. Among the ani- ter built up in the dry pastures, forest mals, many species are able to escape patches, dried out lakes and in flood- or seek refuge in underground bur- plains that were usually inundated. rows, natural tree cavities or aquatic Unfortunate careless behavior by habitats. some inhabitants started the fires that These strategies generally work rapidly raged across the Pantanal. In- during periodic moderate intensity numerable wild animals were killed or fires, whether natural, started by light- injured. Predation and scavenging be- ning, or human-caused. However, this came common. Many survivors still was not the case in 2019 and 2020. faced hunger and thirst, competing Although the prolonged drought was with each other for food that was not within the climatic extremes rang- scorched by fires, and for remaining es recorded in the Pantanal, mea- water found in the larger lakes. sures to control the accumulation of It is true that the Pantanal biome highly-combustible vegetation were evolved with the presence of fires. lacking, environmental awareness Many ecological processes are trig- and commonsense by people using gered by fire, such as certain trees fire were lacking, adequate train- flowering and fruiting, including the ing for firefighting was lacking and famous paratudos (trumpet trees, ge- emergency responses from govern- nus Tabebuia), or the germination of ment authorities were slow and in- carandá palm seeds (Copernicia alba) adequate. As a result, small fires grew that are dormant in the soil until fire in intensity and size, multiplied, and

2 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 soon ravaged and spread across encouraging resilience report, as region and present the Bonito Fishes the landscape. Firefighters, few in in the case of hyacinth macaws, Project 20-year commemoration, number, struggled to reach inac- whose nests were impacted by fire connecting science, communities cessible fire stricken areas that did during their reproductive season and tourism. More than ever, this is not have roads, electricity or an peak at Caiman Ecological Refuge a time to value traditional customs adequate communication system. and at Fazenda São Francisco do and knowledge – such as the Pan- Researchers, volunteers, com- Perigara in 2019 and 2020, respec- taneiro horses’ services for handling munity members, local govern- tively. WWF-Brazil provided emer- cattle, and the edible native plants ments and non-governmental gency aid to implement nest pro- uses that enrich Pantaneiro diets organizations have come togeth- tection measures for the surviving – among other ongoing initiatives. er to put out the flames and try hyacinth macaws’ new generation. In this edition, ecological economic to minimize biodiversity losses. Also, in this edition, the polli- zoning instruments for participative WWF-Brazil supported numerous nators ecological functions and territorial planning and landscape initiatives to organize fire brigades their intricate plant-pollinator in- change scenario projections are not on ranches and in Pantanal com- teractions networks are presented. forgotten. Territorial planning recon- munities, providing firefighting Although they are small, even in- ciles economic growth and natural gear and personal protective equip- sects can play an important role in resources protection, favoring cur- ment to firefighters. They provided the Pantanal restoration. Another rent and future generations, while funds for setting up emergency res- article discusses parasitism, em- landscape scenario projections allow cue centers to treat injured animals phasizing the importance of con- us to plan a future that incorporates in the field, and they donated med- sidering both domestic animals the wishes of all Pantaneiros. ication and veterinarian supplies to and wildlife’s health as one. The Through the array of subjects rescue and rehabilitation centers herbivorous mammals’ role as true covered in this edition, WWF-Bra- (e.g., CRAS in Campo Grande, Mato environmental guardians, capable sil reiterates its commitment to Grosso do Sul). WWF-Paraguay of providing conservation tips for the vast biodiversity in the Pan- and WWF-Bolivia set up an inter- dealing with ongoing land-use tanal and the surrounding high- national communication network changes, is also described. This lands conservation. And their be- to exchange information about edition reports yet on the preda- lief in solidarity without borders. wildfire movements along the tor-prey relationships of the oce- Together we can face the chal- three countries borders. lot, one of the most abundant fe- lenges and prioritize environmen- This Pantanal Science mag- line species in the Pantanal. tal actions that guarantee the Pan- azine edition presents some of With a desire to get back to nor- tanal ecosystem resilience! the first fire impacts assessments mal – in the face of wildfires and the and the long-term consequences COVID-19 pandemic – it is import- MAURICIO VOIVODIC that will affect the Pantanal over ant to provide sustainable business- Diretor Executivo the coming years. There is also an es examples being developed in the WWF-Brasil

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 3 SUMÁRIO Photo: Ieda Bortolotto 08 SUGGESTIONS, CONTRIBUTIONS AND DOUBTS Alexine Keuroghlian THE KNOWLEDGE AND [email protected] FLAVOR OF NATURAL CONTACT ADDRESS BIOCULTURAL WWF-Brasil ORCHARDS CLS 114 Bloco D loja 35 CEP: 70377-540 Brasília - DF Photo: Sandra Santos

PRINT 1.000 exemplares 12 EXPEDIENTE THE “PANTANEIRO”, EDITORIAL BOARD A HORSE OF Alexine Keuroghlian EXTRAORDINARY Science Pantanal Magazine Founder and General Coordinator VALUE Donald P. Eaton Science Pantanal Magazine Manager and Scientific Coordinator Gabriela Yamaguchi Photo: Andressa Fraga WWF-Brasil Engaged Society Director Júlia Boock WWF-Brasil Conservation Analyst Leonardo Duarte Avelino 16 Science Pantanal Magazine Legal Advisor Liana John OCELOT, BIG OCELOT, Science Pantanal Magazine Executive Editor WILDCAT OR LITTLE TECHNICAL BOARD JAGUAR? Alexine Keuroghlian – Peccari Project Andrea Cardoso Araujo – UFMS Cyntia Cavalcante Santos–UFMS Daniela Venturato Giori – Planurb Photo: Wetlands International Donald P. Eaton – Peccari Project Fabio de Oliveira Roque – UFMS Laércio Machado de Souza – CNRPPN and REPAMS Walfrido M. Tomas – Embrapa Pantanal 24 EDITORIAL COORDINATION Alexine Keuroghlian and Donald P. Eaton NATURAL PRODUCTS

TECHNICAL SUPPORT COMMERCIALIZED Renata Andrada Peña – WWF-Brasil Comunication Analyst CONSCIENTIOUSLY

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Liana John (Responsible journalist MTb 12.092)

COVER PHOTOS Hyacinth Macaw – Bruno Carvalho Acuri bunch – Cyntia Cavalcante Santos Pantaneiro Horse – Sandra Santos 26 Ocelot – Andressa Fraga

TRANSLATION TERRITORIAL Spanish – Easy Translation Services and Flash Translations PLANNING English – Alexine Keuroghlian and Donald P. Eaton ACCOMPLISHED! GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Matheus Fortunato Photo: Juliana Arini 30 THE FIRES BLEAK LEGACY

REVISTA DIGITAL: ACESSE O QR CODE

4 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 Photo: Bruno Carvalho Photo: Camila Souza

36 STUBBORN SURVIVORS 46 42 LANDSCAPE PROJECTIONS NATURE’S NURSES

Photo: Marcelo Krause Photo: Gabriel Oliveira de Freitas 50 BONITO FISHES

Photo: Liana John Photo: Jeffrey Himmelstein 66 A HAPPYREDIS- COVERY 56 60 THE BODOQUENA KEEPING AN EYE ENVIRONMENTAL ON WILDLIFE GUARDIANS

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 5 AUTORES

Alessandro Pacheco Nunes Catiana Sabadin Zamarrenho Gabriel Oliveira de Freitas Ecology and Conservation -Mato Grosso Ecologycal Economic Zoning Wildlife and Environmental Education do Sul Federal University (UFMS) Campo Grande Town Hall Pantanal Enviromental Foundation [email protected] [email protected] Cyntia Cavalcante Santos Ana Cecília de Paula Lourenço Ecology and Conservation - etlands Inter- Geraldo Alves Damasceno-Junior Biology and Conservation - Hyacinth Macaw national Blue Corridor Program / Women in Biosciences, Ecology and Conservation Institute [email protected] Action in the Pantanal (MUPAN) Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University [email protected] (UFMS) - [email protected] Ana Paula Camilo Pereira Geography - Mato Grosso do Sul State Daniel Massen Frainer Grasiela Edith Oliveira Porfírio University (UEMS) - [email protected] Economy and Producción Engineering Biology, Ecology and Conservation Mato Grosso do Sul State University (UEMS) Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University Andréa Cardoso de Araujo (UFMS) and Dom Bosco Catholic University Vegetal Biology, Ecology and Conservation Daniela Venturato Giori Ayres (UCDB) [email protected] Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University Journalist – Consultant (UFMS) - [email protected] [email protected] Heitor Miraglia Herrera Veterinary Medicine and Parasitic Biology Andressa Rocha Fraga Érica Fernanda G. Gomes de Sá Dom Bosco Catholic University (UCDB) and Ecology and Environmental Monitoring Ecology and Zoology Research Group InsanaHuna (CNPq) Paraíba Federal University (PPGEMA/UFPB) Paraíba Federal University (PPGCB/UFPB) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Henrique Villas Boas Concone Angélica Guerra Fabiana Lopes Rocha Applied Ecology and Conservation Vegetal Biology, Ecology and Conservation Ecology, Parasitology and Conservation Pro-Carnivores Institute (IPC) and São Paulo Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University Brazil Species Survival Center (IUCN/SSC) University (PPGI-EA/ESALQ/CENA/USP) (UFMS) - [email protected] and Paraíba Federal University (UFPB) [email protected] [email protected] Áurea da Silva Garcia Ieda Maria Bortolotto Science Teaching Fabio de Oliveira Roque Biosciences - Mato Grosso do Sul Federal Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University Biosciences - Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University (UFMS) - [email protected] (UFMS) y MUPAN - [email protected] University (UFMS) - [email protected] José Sabino Breno Ferreira de Melo Fabio Martins Ayres Fishes of Bonito Project - Anhanguera- Cerrado-Pantanal Conservation Geography - Mato Grosso do Sul State Uni- UNIDERP University (University for the WWF-Brasil - [email protected] versity (UEMS) - [email protected] Development of the State and the Pantanal Region) - [email protected] Bruno Henrique Grolli Carvalho Fábio Takahashi Biology and Photography Food Engineering and Ecologycal Juiana de Mendonça Casade Pedro Scherer Neto Foudation Engineering - Viçosa Federal Univserity Ecologycal Economic Zoning [email protected] (UFV) - [email protected] Campo Grande Town Hall

Camila Silveira Souza Fernanda Mussi Fontoura Júlia Corrêa Boock Biological Sciences, Ecology and Biology, Environment and Regional Conservation – WWF-Brasil Conservation - Paraná Federal University Development - Hyacinth Macaw Institute [email protected] (UFPR) - [email protected] [email protected] Júlio César Sampaio da Silva Caroline L. Gross Flávia Accetturi Szukala Araujo Conservation and Environmental Sciences and Agriculture - Conservation - WWF-Brasil Sustainability - Consultant - [email protected] University of New England in Australia [email protected] (UNE) - [email protected] Julio Francisco Alves Fernandes Gabriel Carvalho de Macedo Geography - Wetlands International Blue Cássio Bernardino Environmental Sciences and Agricultural Corridor Program / Women in Action in the Forest Engineering and Project Management Sustainability - Dom Bosco Catholic Universi- Pantanal (MUPAN) WWF-Brasil - [email protected] ty (UCDB) - [email protected] [email protected]

6 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 Katia Maria Paschoaletto Pedro Cordeiro Estrela We appreciate and thank the informa- Micchi de Barros Ferraz Sistemathics and Ecology tion from the field on the impacts of fires Biological Sciences and Applied Ecology Paraíba Federal University (UFPB) São Paulo University (ESALQ/USP), Pro-Car- estrela.dse.ufpb.br in the Pantanal provided by researchers, nivores Institute (IPC) and Manacá Institute collaborators and volunteers and used in [email protected] Pedro Scherer-Neto Ornitology and Conservation the articles on the fire impacts (Pg 30) and Kefany Ramalho Pedro Scherer Neto Foudation on the blue macaws resilience (Pg 36): Biology and Conservation [email protected] Hyacinth Macaw Institute Andrea Garay – Geographic Informa- [email protected] Pierre-Cyril Renauld tion Systems Coordinator (SIG) WWF-Pa- Sciences Laíza de Queiroz Viana Braga Université de Angers en Francia raguay, Karim Musalem – Conservation Ecology and Health (UMR CNRS 6554/LETG-Angers/UFR Scien- Coordinator WWF-Paraguay, Maria Edu- Paraíba Federal University (PPGEMA/UFPB) ces) - [email protected] [email protected] arda Coelho – Conservation Technician Pietro K. Maruyama WWF-Brasil, Patrícia Medici, National Liana John Minas Gerais Federal University (UFMG) Environmental Communication [email protected] Initiative for the Brazilian Tapir Conserva- Camirim Editorial tion and the Ecological Research Institute [email protected] Rafael Oliveira Fonseca Mato Grosso do Sul State University (UEMS) Coordinator – INCAB/IPÊ, Thaishi Leonar- Luciana Paes de Andrade do da Silva – Conservation Analyst WWF Sciences and Zoology Rafaela Danielli Nicola Fishes of Bonito Project and Wetlands International Blue Corridor Brasil, Victor Hugo Magallanes – WW- Anhanguera-UNIDERP University Program / Women in Action in the F-Bolivia and Walfrido Moraes Tomas – [email protected] Pantanal (MUPAN) [email protected] Embrapa Pantanal Luciana Pinheiro Ferreira We also thank the following NGOs, Ornitology and Conservation - Hyacinth Sandra Aparecida Santos companies, farms, inns, research insti- Macaw Institute - [email protected] Zootechnics, Agronomy and Landscape Ecology tutions, and wildlife refuges, for their Marcos Antônio Moura Cristaldo Embrapa Pantanal support in fighting fire fronts, rescuing Ecologycal Economic Zoning [email protected] Campo Grande Town Hall wild animals, supplying food and water Thamy de Almeida Moreira to survivors, and facilitating the field trip Marcos Roberto Ferramosca Cardoso Veterinary Medicine Veterinarian Medicine - Mato Grosso State En- Hyacinth Macaw Institute of the afore mentioned researchers: vironment Secretary - [email protected] [email protected] Bioparc, Campanha Adote um Ninho Neiva Maria Robaldo Guedes Thiago André Albuquerque Silva 2020, CRAS-MS, Documenta Pantanal, Biology and Conservation Ecology and Zoology Fazenda São Francisco de Perigara, Fio- Hyacinth Macaw Institute and Universidad Paraíba Federal University (PPGCB/UFPB) Anhanguera-UNIDERP [email protected] cruz, Fundação OS, Fundação Toyota do [email protected] Brasil, Galo da Manhã, Granado, Hotel Fa- Walter Guedes da Silva Olivier Pays Geography and Environmental Sustainability zenda Baía das Pedras, Instituto Solar dos Sciences Mato Grosso do Sul State University (UEMS) Abacaxis, Jogabilidade, Luan Santana, Neo- Université de Angers in France (UMR CNRS [email protected] 6554/LETG-Angers/UFR Sciences) energia, O Boticário , Parrots International, [email protected] Wanessa Teixeira Gomes Barreto Refúgio Ecológico Caiman, RPPN SESC Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Osvaldo Barassi Gajardo Sustainability, Ecology and Conservation Pantanal, Sema-MT, Sicredi, SOS Panta- Conservation – WWF-Brasil Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University nal, Universidade Anhanguera-UNIDERP, [email protected] (UFMS) Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Paula Hanna Walfrido Moraes Tomas (UFRGS), Whitley Fund for Nature, Wildlife Conservation – WWF-Brasil Ecology and Conservation – Embrapa Panta- [email protected] nal – [email protected] Studios, WWF-Brasil, Zoo de Zurich WCS.

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 7 wild rice

Photo: Geraldo Alves Damasceno ethnobotany THE KNOWLEDGE AND FLAVOR OF NATURAL BIOCULTURAL ORCHARDS Edible native plants enrich the Pantanal residents and visitors diet and valuing traditional knowledge contributes to species preservation and their multiple uses

BY IEDA MARIA BORTOLOTTO AND GERALDO ALVES DAMASCENO-JUNIOR

8 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 People of various indige- ing true natural “orchards” with nous ethnicities live in the Pan- fruits, nuts, hearts of palm and tanal, along with riverine and other edible parts. Such occur- quilombola communities, rural rences contribute to the local hu- Photo: Cyntia Santos Cyntia Photo: producers, farmers and other man populations’ cultures: they groups, who may or may not be are biocultural orchards. considered traditional Pantanei- Some ethnobotanical main ros (i.e., people of the Pantanal). studies carried out in communi- This region in the South Amer- ties located along the Paraguay ica central portion stands out River during the last two decades because of its rich cultural her- resulted in scientific publications itage that extends beyond four and community extension ac- countries international bound- tions focused on valuing cul- aries: Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay turally important plants. These and Argentina. A rich biological Acuri include wild food plants that are diversity is associated with the known and used by local people. region’s cultural diversity, in- through species collection sur- The data for these studies cluding plants common to the veys, identification of plants were obtained from interviews Pantanal and to neighboring bi- with known uses and speci- with the communities adult resi- omes: Cerrado, Chaco, Amazon mens deposits in herbaria. dents, accompanied by botanical Forest and Atlantic Forest. Some A preliminary list for the collections in the Corumbá and of the species are well known, entire Mato Grosso do Sul State, Porto Murtinho municipalities, used and even cultivated by the in Brazil, developed by a re- Mato Grosso do Sul. In Corum- local populations, together with searchers team from the Mato bá, residents from the Albuquer- exotic plants, in small domestic Grosso do Sul Federal Universi- que, Castelo, Amolar and Guató gardens or fields. ty (UFMS) estimated that there (indigenous) rural communities The exact number of native are 294 native plants species participated. In Porto Murtinho, food plants that occur within that can potentially be used for the studies included inhabitants the international Pantanal lim- food. Among these, more than of rural and urban areas located its is not known, nor are there 100 occur in the Pantanal, one of along the Paraguay River banks. systematic studies in the Bra- the world’s largest inland flood- The interviewees demon- zilian portion on the tradition- plains whose waters are drained strated knowledge about the al knowledge associated with by the Paraguay River. use of 69 wild plant species for the plants. Until the mid-1980s, Several food species are making oils and flours, or prepar- the scholars’ attention was con- abundant among the vegeta- ing dishes and drinks that make centrated mainly on records of tion physiognomies native to up part of their diet. Among the wild food plants included in the the Pantanal, both in flooded drinks, teas, juices and “chichas” indigenous populations diets. and non-flooded areas. Many were mentioned; the latter being However, since the 1990s, stud- of them occur in vegetation for- a local name for artisanal fer- ies have expanded to include mations dominated by a single mented beverages similar to beer. non-indigenous communities species (monodominant), form- Among the most important

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 9 Photo: Ieda Bortolotto Photo: Paulo Robson de Souza

Laranjinha-de-pacu” (above), “bocaiúva” flour (right) and “carandá” (side page) enrich the pantaneiros and visitors’diet

native food plants species, palm consumption of these wild food to elderly community members. trees predominate: “bocaiuva” plants, passing down knowl- In Corumbá, for communi- (Acrocomia aculeata), for its oil, edge about them orally from ties farthest from urban centers, pulp, heart of palm and flour, generation to generation. the number of native food plants and “carandá” (Copernicia alba), However, despite some plant known and used is greater than for its edible fruits, although species have local importance, those known and used in com- they are under appreciated and traditional knowledge about munities closer to cities. This seldom consumed. What gives them is in an eroding process, or shows how proximity to com- these plants their cultural val- has been lost already. This is the mercial markets influences and ue is the wealth of associated case for wild rice (Oryza spp.), reduces the wild plant species knowledge and practices that whose use by indigenous peo- use. There are also plants whose are maintained by local com- ples has several records in his- medicinal use is more important munities. In addition to pro- torical literature, but cultivation than its value as a food, as is the viding food, these plants have and even harvesting are no lon- case for “jatobá” (Hymenaea spp.) medicinal, aromatic and tim- ger practiced. Also, the practices used by the riverine communi- ber-related uses; they serve as to obtain a variety of oils, drinks ties along the Paraguay River. fish bait and are used in religious and flours from the wild rice Even so, there are still rituals. For centuries, tradition- were mentioned in interviews as well-preserved areas with plen- al populations have maintained “ways of the past”, and today the ty of native food plant resources the extractivism practices and practices are mainly known only that enrich the Pantaneiro diets.

10 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 There are also still communities with a knowledge wealth about native plants. Not to mention, there is potential for communi- ties to gain economically from marketing food plants, espe- da Silva Rosa Helena Photo: cially abundant species, such as those found in monodomi- nant vegetation formations. So, with the objectives to value food plants; encourage the conserva- tion and sustainable use of wild plant species and stimulate the nities where the research was “acuri” (Attalea phalerata) and income generation to improve carried out and have included 14 “laranjinha-de-pacu” (Poute- the life quality in the commu- municipalities in the Cerrado/ ria glomerata) are prominent. nities, several actions were pro- Pantanal region during the peri- There are several governmental posed and developed within od from 2006 to 2020. and non-governmental institu- the “Programa Sabores” (Flavors Annually, “Programa Sabores” tions implementing projects to Program) scope. promotes a course on food plants strengthen and organize com- “Programa Sabores” is a native to the Pantanal and Cer- munities and support extractive UFMS community extension rado and counts on the partici- activities. program whose objective is pation of students and residents The Pantaneiros ability to to value food plants from the from regional communities. The rescue neglected practices and Pantanal and Cerrado. Program extension team also created a knowledge that still exists with- activities are developed in col- products kit in collaboration with in their communities has ad- laboration with several rural the communities, such as a cook- vanced the specialized edible community partners, including book, postcards and calendars. plants use in recent years. It has schools. Culinary workshops These products are free of charge also progressed due to the will- are organized, producing dishes and are distributed to workshop ingness of communities, and es- and drinks from recipes devel- and course participants. pecially women, to take control oped by the communities or by With these extension pro- of their activities by organizing the extension team. To incen- gram actions support, traditional and investing in autonomy. The tivize consumption and com- communities residents already wild food speces conservation mercialization, workshops are produce and sell frozen pulps, and the traditional knowledge offered on good hygiene prac- jellies, flours, oils and other food maintenance are fundamental tices, harvesting and post-har- products. Among the abun- to sovereignty and the food and vesting techniques, guidance on dant plants involved in actions Pantanal communities’ nutri- the fruits nutritional value and to incentivize use by the com- tional security. And, it will ensure others. Program activities have munities, “bocaiuva” (Acroco- that fundamental resources re- extended beyond the commu- mia spp.), wild rice (Oryza spp.), main abundant for native fauna.

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 11 valuation

THE “PANTANEIRO”, A HORSE OF EXTRAORDINARY VALUE Unique multifunctional breed adapted to environmental extremes; excellent performance handling livestock, providing transportation, giving tourists horseback rides and competing in sporting events

BY SANDRA APARECIDA SANTOS AND FÁBIO TAKAHASHI

Hearty, tough and resilient, Breeders Association (ABCCP) heat as well as drought; traverse Pantaneiro horses are ideal- was created in Poconé, Mato areas with dense vegetation; ly adapted for handling cattle, Grosso with the fundamental approach a majority of wild an- whether during flood and dry aims to promote, select and im- imals calmly; their hooves re- seasons peaks, or during the prove the breed. sist humidity during long rides nuanced conditions that appear Valuable genetic traits ac- through wetlands, and they are mid-cycle between seasonal quired during the natural selec- able to find forage and sustain peaks. A descendent of equines tion long process gave the Pan- themselves for long periods in brought from the Iberian Penin- taneiro horse the exceptional flooded environments. sula to Brazil during the coloni- characteristics, such as adapt- These characteristics make zation period, the horse has un- ability, toughness and function- the Pantaneiro horse a general- dergone centuries of adaptation ality. They are animals that are ist and multifunctional animal, in a dynamic and complex en- resistant to diseases and even able to live and work in a wide vironment with extreme tem- thrive in areas subjected to variety of environments and peratures. It was recognized as limited resources and environ- cattle production systems. To a unique breed in 1972 when mental disturbances (episod- maintain this adaptability, it is the Brazilian Pantaneiro Horse ic or persistent). They tolerate necessary to ensure the genet-

12 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 Photo: Sandra Santos

ic stability and breed diversity trail riding, they have even equestrian competitions, most through appropriate conser- greater value for demonstrating prominently in Technical Las- vation, selection and breeding how traditional cattle ranching soing, Long Lassoing, Team management. can be practiced in harmony Penning (separation of certain Bred semi-extensively with biodiversity. cows from the herd) and Ranch among large rural properties, Because of their versatili- Sorting (selection and direc- the Pantaneiro horse is eco- ty and functional characteris- tion of cattle to pens/corrals), nomically important in the tics, the Pantaneiro horse has among others. Pantanal. It is essential for han- attracted buyers from several One important factor in dling cattle; is one of the prin- regions in Brazil, mainly for these competitions is the inter- cipal transportation means for their utility in handling cat- action between horse and rider, local populations (especially tle, but also for other activities, a relationship of trust developed during flood periods) and is like equotherapy, trail rides and during training and also during seen as a local culture sym- sporting events. The Pantaneiro free time and the animals’ dai- bol to the Pantanal visitors. On horse’s agility and its ability to ly care. The breed inclusion in ranches with tourism opera- read cattle, i.e., its “cow sense”, sporting events encourages tions offering horseback and has encouraged its inclusion in family participation – especial-

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 13 Photo: Sandra Santos ly by young adults and children Pantaneiro horses feed – and it helps guarantee conti- mainly on native forage spe- nuity, promoting the the breed cies, which are highly-sustain- conservation for future gen- able renewable resources in erations. To reinforce the Pan- the region. This is because the taneiro horse functional value native pastures growth does in sporting events, their par- not require fossil fuel inputs. ticipation should be promoted This extraordinary breed ani- through sponsorships. mals also maintain the habit of In the Pantanal, the horse consuming aquatic plants, such is especially important for as the water lily (Nymphaea handling cattle when flooding gardneriana), taking advantage occurs, as it is one of the few of the Pantanal’s diverse floral breeds to have humidity re- resources. sistant hooves. This valuable In order to adequately ap- external supplies in the service service is appreciated more by preciate the Pantaneiro horse performance. ranchers who insist on regis- functional work, it is useful to For such analysis, it was tering their animals with the carry out an emergetic analysis, first necessary to define a pro- ABCCP. However, it should be a systems-level procedure that duction system, with its energy appreciated more widely by assesses the energy required input and output flows. The 100 ranchers in the region, because to perform a service – in this hectares fenced study area cho- it is a breed that is easy to care case, handling cattle – through sen in the Pantanal comprise for and requires few purchased quantification of the contribu- forest, cerrado (a more open external supplies for it upkeep. tions from natural capital and forest formation) and savanna

14 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 sections with approximately between renewable energy native pasture, or other supplies 30% consisting of native pas- and total energy, which pro- and services. ture. The area held 17 Pantanei- vides an estimate of the service Another index estimated ro service horses. Native forage sustainability. In this case study, was the service quantification, species that only require the renewability was 64%. In other in “emergy dollars” per hectare. sun, rain and soil nutrients (a words, for the semi-extensive In monetary terms, the value of renewable resource in the Pan- production system evaluat- the cattle handling service per- tanal) to grow were the main formed by a Pantaneiro horse food sources for the animals (a Useful for handling was 603.53 emergy dollars per provisioning ecosystem ser- livestock (bottom left), hectare/year. This estimate in- vices example). The only ex- even in flooded areas (side cluded only cattle handling ternal supplies and services page), the Pantaneiro horse while, in reality, Pantaneiro needed for the study consisted (bottom) is also a good horses also provide many other of vaccines, medications, tools, option in transport, tourism, services, such as transportation, fencing and labor. The service leisure and in competitions tourism support and leisure. provided (handling cattle) could Results show the function-

Photo: Sandra Santos Photo: Sandra Santos

have internal (management ed, the horses primarily used al services extraordinary value unit/farm) or external (com- natural resources, transform- provided by Pantaneiro horses mercialization) output flows. ing native forage species into maintained on native pasture Based on the energy inputs a functional service (handling by rural producers. Undoubt- and outputs analysis from the cattle). Of course, renewability edly, assessing these services study area, it was possible to depends on the production sys- value will contribute to green estimate several emergetic in- tem used to maintain the hors- technology benefits quantifi- dices. One is the renewability es and will be affected by fac- cation associated with sustain- index, that is, the relationship tors like the proportional use of able ranching systems.

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 15 fauna

OCELOT, BIG OCELOT, WILDCAT OR LITTLE JAGUAR?

Discover the “spotted cat” most common species in the Pantanal and its strong influence on prey and smaller felines

BY HENRIQUE VILLAS BOAS CONCONE, ANDRESSA ROCHA FRAGA, ÉRICA FERNANDA G. GOMES DE SÁ, THIAGO ANDRÉ ALBUQUERQUE SILVA, LAÍZA DE QUEIROZ VIANA BRAGA, FABIANA LOPES ROCHA, KATIA MARIA PASCHOALETTO MICCHI DE BARROS FERRAZ AND PEDRO CORDEIRO ESTRELA

Wild animals’ common (almost 50 times more). In Bra- And wildcat or forest cat is used names tend to be different re- zil, they are all called ocelot, big for any feline with a spotted gionally within a country, and ocelot, wildcat or little jaguar, coat seen at a glance amid the even locally within a region. generalizations that generate vegetation. The most obvious exception is confusion when identifying the To complicate matters, nat- for “spotted” cats. Even though species, especially during local ural variation in size occurs there are six distinct species in residents’ interviews for prelim- among adult individuals of the Brazil, they are often given the inary assessments on these an- same species. The ocelot (Leop- same generic common names imals’ occurrence in particular ardus pardalis) is the third larg- throughout the country. It ecosystems. est feline species in Brazil after doesn’t matter if you’re talking These names use, in fact, the jaguar (Panthera onca) and about the smallest species – seems to obey criteria related the puma (Puma concolor). An the oncilla or “small-wildcat” – to size: if the animal is not big adult individual can measure weighing on average just 2.5 kg, enough to be a jaguar, it is called between 1 to 1.4 meters in length or the largest species – the jag- a big ocelot or little jaguar. If it is from the snout tip to the tail tip, uar – that weighs up to 120 kg a bit smaller, it is called ocelot. while its weight can vary from 8

16 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 Foto: Felipe Peters

The ocelot is the third largest feline in Brazil, just behind the jaguar (bottom right) and the puma (bottom left)

Foto: Adriano Gambarini Foto: Edir Alves to 16 kg! There are also differenc- cies and, possibly, the most tis, pacas and armadillos. They es between the sexes, males be- abundant, both on the Pantanal occasionally feed on animals ing, on average, 25% larger than floodplain and in the bordering larger than themselves, such females. Therefore, it is easy to Cerrado highlands. One of the as gray brocket deer or great- understand when there is skep- most likely explanations for its er rheas. These feeding habits ticism about species sightings abundance is its intermediate may avoid intense disputes with or confusion related to common size, which increases the oce- jaguars over food, while allevi- names. lot’s ability to adapt to different ating competition for food with The ocelot is widely dis- situations. Ocelots hunt small smaller feline species. Accord- tributed in Brazil and in the mammals, birds, lizards, snakes ing to several studies, even in ar- Pantanal. It is one of the most and fish, but they also catch me- eas where jaguars are abundant, commonly sighted feline spe- dium-sized prey such as agou- ocelots are present, often in high

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 17 Foto: Felipe Peters numbers. However, where oce- lots are abundant, smaller “spot- ted” cat species typically occur in low numbers or may be ab- sent. The phenomenon of ocelots “bullying” smaller feline species has been termed the “parda- lis effect”, highlighting the idea that ocelots are dominant over smaller cats. This dominance

may be one of the most import- Foto: Felipe Peters ant ecological forces structuring medium-sized predators and their prey communities. Felines are obligate carni- vores, that is, they feed exclu- sively on other animals. There- fore, during their prey searches, greater competition with other carnivores is expected. The more “similar” the carnivores are, the dent: where ocelots are abundant, and predator avoidance. greater the competition should smaller cats are less common. All of the smaller “spotted” be. In simple terms, the largest This is especially true for cat species preferentially inhabit species dominate the environ- small “spotted” cats: margay forests and are active at night, so ment (and prey supplies) to the (Leopardus wiedii), southern ti- they come under the “pardalis detriment of the smallest: where grina (Leopardus guttulus), little effect” influence. The jaguarundi jaguars are abundant, pumas are spotted cat (Leopardus tigrinus) is also a forest dependent spe- less common, and where jaguars and Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus cies, but it is active during the are less common or absent, pu- geoffroyi), while this effect is less daytime. Pantanal cats frequent mas are more abundant. How- pronounced for small cats that open areas, like native grass- ever, neither of the two larger are not spotted, like the Pantanal lands and wetlands, seldom us- cat species appears to have a cats (Leopardus braccatus and ing forested environments. So, significant impact on the ocelot, L. munoai) and the jaguarundi these two “unspotted” felines whose variation in abundance (Puma yagouaroundi). Spotted are able to avoid the “pardalis seems to be much more related to coat patterns are usually asso- effect”, either by being active the prey availability, rather than ciated with cats inhabiting for- when ocelots are not, or by in- to the larger felines presence. In ested habitats, serving as cam- habiting environments that are contrast, the impact of ocelots on ouflage among the vegetation seldom used by the ocelots. smaller feline species is quite evi- while facilitating prey searches The ocelot plays a funda-

18 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 Foto: Adriano Gambarini If the ocelot is abundant, there are fewer small cats, such as the margay (side page top); the jaguarundi (left); the Geoffroy’s cat (side page bottom); the southern tigrina (below), and the Pantanal cat (well below)

Foto: Felipe Peters mental role in terrestrial eco- systems that make up the environments mosaic in the Pantanal: including wetland margins, forests and savannahs. Its presence is vital for main- taining the ecological process- es dynamics through its inter- actions with a huge diversity of prey, larger predators and a range of competitors. The ocelot conservation sta- tus in the Pantanal has not yet Foto: Felipe Peters been systematically assessed. But, overall, the environmental health of the Pantanal is bet- ter than it is for neighboring biomes, such as the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest. Therefore, it is likely that the ocelot con- servation status is also better in the Pantanal. For long-term conservation purposes, ocelot accompany rivers and other as in cultivated areas, but they populations will depend on the aquatic environments in the predominantly use forested remaining forests fragments Upper Paraguay River Basin habitats. maintenance in the bordering (BAP). Ocelots are able to range Based on a large number of Cerrado highlands and espe- and hunt in a variety of native recurring ocelot records that cially on riparian corridors that vegetation formations, as well were documented on a ranch

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 19 Foto: Érica Gomes Foto: Érica Gomes

with cattle and tourism activi- source for the ocelots. landscape agricultural portions, ties in the Rio Miranda Pantanal In 2004, after the initial is this due to the small rodents region, the site was chosen for studies were completed, the abundance in rice fields, or is launching the Ocelot Project. Ocelot Project continued to doc- this also related to the native Initially, studies focused on the ument records of the species vegetation remnants proximity diet and local occurrence of the through photographs, videos on which the species depends? species. These studies lasted and direct observations. Start- For long-lived carnivorous two years (2002 to 2004) and ing in 2005, the ranch’s local mammals with large ranges contributed to a Master’s degree guides team began filling out – like ocelots and crab-eating awarded by the Mato Grosso do faunal observation forms af- foxes (Cerdocyon thous) – can Sul Federal University (UFMS). ter nocturnal safaris to observe landscape-level changes in the A surprising result from the wildlife (initiated in 1996). The Pantanal affect their health? Can study was the numerous ocelot data collected by these citizen these changes, for example, alter individuals sightings registered scientists between 2005 and ecological interactions between in irrigated rice fields, which, 2018 showed the same trends hosts and parasites? previous to the study, were con- for ocelots observed during the To answer these questions, sidered inhospitable habitats for 2002-2004 UFMS study. new field activities with com- a forest associated species. In a After completing these stud- plementary objectives were little over a year during 103 noc- ies, the project began to focus launched. The ocelots popula- turnal wildlife surveys, there on new questions. Are the high tion size was estimated based were 81 records of ocelots (79%). numbers of ocelot sightings due on annual camera-trap samples Studies of their diet revealed to the presence of many individ- obtained at 45 to 60 locations that 80% of the items found in uals (i.e., a high density popula- distributed among the differ- ocelot feces were small rodent tion), or to repeated observations ent environments range on the remains. This led to the hypoth- of a few ocelots that are accli- ranch, including rice fields, live- esis that the rice fields were mated to humans presence? If stock areas and natural habitats. providing an abundant rodents the ocelots density is high in the Thanks to the unique fur coat

20 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 patterns of each ocelot – similar population size, such as survival, wild mammal species were re- to a “fingerprint” – it is possi- longevity, birth and mortality. corded. Only 5 species were re- ble to identify individuals from Preliminary project data sponsible for 70% of the records: camera-trap photos and esti- analyses show that the ocelots ocelot (591 images), marsh deer mate the animals total number population density is between (Blastocerus dichotomus, 551), in an area (population density) 29 and 66 individuals per 100 capybara (Hydrochoerus hydro- using mathematical models. In km² (10,000 hectares). This esti- chaeris, 470), jaguar (393) and addition, the same mathemati- mate is consistent with the hy- crab-eating fox (375). cal models can be used, for ex- pothesis that a large population More recently, live trapping ample, to examine relationships inhabits the study region. For was used to investigate the po- between differences in the num- future analyses, these estimates tential ocelot prey. The live traps ber of individuals registered in will be refined (to reduce uncer- were distributed among multi- different environments with the tainty in the results), and both ple locations in agricultural and number of available prey. the effect of prey abundance native habitat areas. The small Using the photos database and spatial variation among en- mammals captured were se- and direct observations ob- vironments will be evaluated. dated, measured, weighed and tained over the last 15 years, at In addition to information biological samples were collect- least 65 different ocelots were collected about ocelots, the ed. Small metallic earrings for identified in the study region, camera-trap data was used identification were also placed some over consecutive years. In to carry out a systematic sur- on the captured animals before they were released. Similar to the camera trap analyses, based on the number of captures and recaptures of different individ- uals and species, mathematical

Most common ocelot prey: Chacoan marsh rat (side page left), agile gracile opossum (side page right) and gray

Foto: Érica Gomes four-eyed opossum (left) fact, one of the females remained in the same area from vey of medium- to large-sized models were used to estimate 2006 until the most recent sur- mammals in the area, help- population densities and spe- vey in 2019. Long-term data like ing us understand how other cies abundances in the sam- these are very important and re- species use the available en- pling areas. quire continuous field sampling vironments. During two con- From a total sampling effort efforts. These data can be used to secutive years of camera-trap of 9,480 trap-nights, 314 individ- evaluate parameters other than monitoring, 3,400 photos of 26 uals from 9 species were regis-

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 21 tered. Two of the species stood 1.5% and 3%, that is, on average, 300 g), Azara’s agouti (Dasyproc- out in terms of abundance, rep- only 2 to 3 individuals are cap- ta azarae, 3 kg), the spotted paca resenting more than 55% of the tured per 100 traps. (Cuniculus paca, 7.5 kg), in addi- total registered individuals: the Although a number of the tion to ground birds, such as the Chacoan marsh rat (Holochilus small mammal species were undulated tinamou (Crypturellus chacarius) and the agile grac- registered in both the rice fields undulatus, 800 g) and the bare- ile opossum (Gracilinanus agi- and in native vegetation habitats, faced curassow (Crax fasciolata, lis). The other species registered the Chacoan marsh rat was more 3 kg), all of which were recorded were the mamore arboreal rice rat abundant in the rice fields, while frequently in camera traps. (Oecomys mamorae), the Cerra- the agile gracile opossum pre- For ocelot and other wildlife do climbing mouse (Rhipidomys dominated in native vegetation health investigations, field pro- macrurus), the hairy-tailed bolo habitats. So, the Chacoan marsh cedures included capturing and mouse (Necromys lasiurus), the rat is an ideal prey for ocelots in anesthetizing of medium-sized gray four-eyed opossum (Philan- rice fields due to their high avail- carnivores for biometric mea- der opossum), the Brazilian guin- ability (many individuals) and surements, clinical examina- ea pig (Cavia aperea), Agricola’s their size (average adult weight tions and biological samples gracile opossum (Cryptonanus between 115 g and 150 g). In na- collection, i.e., blood, hair and agricolai) and a rodent of the ge- tive habitat areas on the ranch, ticks. During the procedures, nus Cerradomys. a more varied diet of abundant captured animals were hydrated In some rice field plots, the lower-weight small mammals and allowed to recover from an- live-trap capture success rate was available: about 30 g for the esthetic effects in shaded traps. reached 11%, meaning that for agile gracile opossum and 70 g After complete recovery, they every 100 traps placed daily, 11 for the mamore arboreal rice rat. were released at the same site animals were captured! For com- In these native areas, other spe- where they were captured. Of 13 parison, in the Atlantic Forest, cies may be preyed upon more captured ocelots, four were adult the capture rate for small mam- frequently, such as the gray four- males (average weight: 12.3 kg) mals typically varies between eyed opossum (average weight and seven were adult females

HEALTH ISSUES Most of the ocelots and crab-eating foxes cap- evaluated. On average, ocelots were infected by 6.7 tured for biomedical collections by the Ocelot Project hemoparasites per animal. Crab-eating foxes infec- presented clinical symptoms, such as dehydration, tions were lower at 4.3 hemoparasites per animal. anemia and low body scores (i.e., a fat and muscles Among the hemoparasites detected, it is worth evaluation indicating an animal’s energy reserves). highlighting those with significant health implica- Fourteen of the 20 hemoparasites investigated were tions – for wildlife, domestic animals or humans – detected in one individual animal, and at least two of such as the rabies virus and the bacteria that causes the parasites were detected in all other individuals leptospirosis (whose main urban hosts are rodents).

22 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 (9.4 kg). A large female cub and tact between parasites and hosts on assessing the agrochemical a young nearly-adult male were may be increased due to the rice exposure and prey species para- also caught. Among the 12 cr- fields – both for prey and pred- sites effects. Field activities will ab-eating foxes captured, there ators, potentially increasing the also continue with felines using were 5 adults (3 males with an parasite transmission rate. GPS collars annual monitoring. average weight of 9.4 kg and 2 These factors may explain Focused on ocelots and small females with an average weight the poor health conditions ob- mammals populations, the GPS of 6.3 kg), four sub-adults (3 served for many captured ani- collar monitoring will provide males and 1 female) and 3 kits (2 mals, but further investigations more in-depth information on males and 1 female). are needed. For example, a rel- range use. Next steps for the For the captured carnivores, evant factor to consider is the Ocelot Project will depend not 20 parasites that circulate in the agrochemicals use, a common only on essential continued sup- bloodstream (hemoparasites) practice in many agricultural port from the partner ranch, but were investigated using specif- areas. These products can weak- also on establishment of new ic tests. The parasites included en immunity in exposed indi- partnerships that advance re- species of public health impor- viduals, and therefore have the search efforts. tance, e.g., the causative agents potential to negatively affect The project expects to in- of leptospirosis and leishman- the animals health in the study crease knowledge about the iasis, as well as others, such as region. The risk is even great- investigated wildlife, providing the rabies virus that represents er for carnivores like the ocelot important information that can a threat to species conserva- whose exposure increases in- be applied by public and pri- tion. On one hand, rice cultiva- directly through consumption vate sector decision makers to tion appears to favor the ocelots of prey species that are also ex- improve production areas man- maintenance and abundance, posed to the agrochemicals (i.e., agement. The aim is to reconcile due to the small rodents large bioaccumulation). The Ocelot agricultural production goals population in the fields. On the Project will continue to investi- with the Pantanal’s precious other hand, it appears that con- gate wildlife health with a focus biodiversity conservation.

All the carnivores evaluated showed positive, lence and titers were high, with about 70% of but low titer, serological test results for rabies. individuals positive. Important leptospirosis These results indicated exposure to the virus symptoms are related to renal dysfunction, and without clinical rabies manifestations, since eight of the seropositive animals showed al- several of the sampled animals were recorded tered values of urea and/or creatinine, indicating by camera traps more than 120 days after par- kidney function problems. These health issues asite collections (120 days being the maximum deserve greater attention. Analyses should be survival period for an animal with clinical rabies expanded and refined with the aim of guiding manifestations). possible initiatives that help maintain the hu- With respect to Leptospira sp., both preva- mans, domestic animals and wildlife health.

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 23 sustainability NATURAL PRODUCTS COMMERCIALIZED

CONSCIENTIOUSLY Photo: Wetlands International Sustainable Business Development in the Pantanal values people, their knowledge and customs BY CYNTIA CAVALCANTE SANTOS, RAFAELA DANIELLI NICOLA, ÁUREA DA SILVA GARCIA Small-scale tourism favors AND JULIO FRANCISCO ALVES FERNANDES low-impact activities

Sustainable businesses are international) dimensions. In this guá) among other non-indigenous reaching niche markets more and manner, sustainable businesses people, such as riverine and qui- more, driven by a society that is will value people, their knowl- lombola communities. Through- increasingly attentive and will- edge and customs. out the occupation history, all of ing to opt for sustainable products The Pantanal is the largest these communities have contrib- consumption. Despite continual contiguous continental wetland uted to the wealth of knowledge challenges, there are efforts being on the planet and, on its own, still that exists about plants, animals advanced by legal bodies that are maintains large well-conserved and the natural flooding regime, having impacts through adaptive areas and healthy ecological in- as well as to knowledge about planning and management in- teractions, enabling the develop- their own community dynamics, corporation into human (sustain- ment of a variety of sustainable i.e., cultural diversity, customs and able business) activities. products and services. However, traditions passed down over sev- In addition to concerns about to create truly sustainable busi- eral generations. Although these natural resources management, nesses and markets for the prod- communities also influence the discussions on sustainability ucts and services, collective ef- Pantanal landscape, for the most should include a society’s prob- forts are needed. part, they coexist harmoniously lems holistic view. Beyond the The human presence in the with the region’s biodiversity. environmental, economic and Pantanal – registered since the Geographically, the Brazilian social factors tripod, other com- 16th century – includes several Pantanal encompasses 23 mu- plementary aspects to consider ethnic indigenous groups (Guai- nicipalities in two states: Mato include: cultural, ecological, ter- kuru, Kadiwéu, Aruak, Guarani, Grosso (MT) and Mato Grosso do ritorial and political (national and Guató, Meridional Kaiapó, Paya- Sul (MS). The principal economic

24 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 activities include cattle ranching, outside the region. Another prod- associated with these programs is fishing, tourism and mining. On uct that is becoming more widely linked to educational background the highlands that border the Pan- available is meat from the Pantanal and greater awareness on the con- tanal floodplain, the predominant caiman (Caiman yacare) that is sumers part. However, to achieve activity is ongoing large-scale marketed by two businesses with success, these efforts will need to cattle ranching and agricultural sustainable caiman harvesting provide additional support for pro- operations expansion. However, systems in the Corumbá (MS) and ducers in order to create a steady small-scale economic activities Cáceres (MT) municipalities. demand for the products and set are also gaining ground, mainly Commercializing honey from final costs (because comparisons due to tourism, as is the case with the Pantanal is also being consid- between organic and conventional the sale indigenous handicrafts ered as a diversifying production products have a strong influence on and regional foods. means. It stands out as a sustain- consumer decisions). On varying sizes rural prop- able activity due to the wild plants Product certification efforts en- erties, efforts are being made species variety that are visited by courage increased production and to organize and review current native bees and for being free from provide opportunities for producers practices with the aim of finding agrochemical contamination, as to obtain eco-friendly (sustainabil- alternatives that increase produc- pesticide exposed crops are gener- ity) product labels, which are im- tivity while reducing impacts on ally grown outside of the Pantanal. portant for guaranteeing access to natural environments. Focusing Since 2015 in the southern Pan- niche markets. By developing prod- on cattle ranching, for example, tanal, a certification has been used uct certifications for organic and producers are trying to optimize to differentiate locally produced sustainable production, new more natural forage resources while honey: an indication of origin is efficient forms of using renew- taking environmental limits, bio- provided by the Instituto Industrial able natural resources will emerge, diversity maintenance and Pan- Property National Institute (INPI) creating opportunities to improve tanal ecosystem resilience into based on regulations established sustainability across entire supply consideration. The main objective by researchers, beekeepers and chains, e.g., during the phases that is to increase the production sys- beekeeping associations. occur on Pantanal properties, such tems sustainability, either through Although very recent, projects as adopting best practices for live- monetization strategies, origin rec- using organic and sustainable al- stock management and ecotourism. ognition or through the creation of ternatives are attempting to recon- Due to the unique characteris- eco-friendly (sustainability) labels cile the productivity maintenance tics of the Pantanal, development of that increase a product or service with natural environments protec- sustainable products and services profitability. tion. Most of the projects originate will require a dynamic process of With respect to local com- from partnerships between private planning and promotion of best merce, many fruits and seeds stand initiatives and civil society organi- production practices, as well as on- out, such as coconuts of the “bo- zations. These partnerships have going monitoring and evaluation at caiuva”, “buriti” and “acuri” palms. developed out of a growing interest each stage of the process. From en- Some fruits, such as “guavira” and reflected in public policies and eco- vironmental, economic and social “jatobá”, are commonly found at nomic development programs that points of view, this is the best way organic product fairs, even reach- are facilitating the new arrange- to guarantee effective development ing niche markets in larger cities ments. The products consumption of sustainable production.

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 25 zoning TERRITORIAL PLANNING ACCOMPLISHED! Campo Grande has an unprecedented instrument for sustainable municipal management, combining socioeconomic potential and environmental relevance

BY FABIO MARTINS AYRES, ANA PAULA CAMILO PEREIRA, DANIEL MASSEN FRAINER, RAFAEL OLIVEIRA FONSECA, WALTER GUEDES DA SILVA, DANIELA VENTURATO GIORI AYRES, MARCOS ANTÔNIO MOU- RA CRISTALDO, CATIANA SABADIN ZAMARRENHO AND JUIANA DE MENDONÇA CASADE

26 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 Territorial planning and management how they can be addressed with zone man- are major challenges, both for decision agers and residents. To develop ZEE/MS, makers and for local populations. The in- 3 steps were needed. The first defined the teraction between policy and management objectives based on secondary data sources, underlies planning, and with regard to land feedback from society and technical-scien- use and occupation, planning must respect tific knowledge. The main result was State the natural environment. But how do we Law 3.839/2009 that established the Mato reconcile varied – and sometimes contra- Grosso do Sul State Territorial Management dictory – demands when carrying out ter- Program (PGT/MS) and approved the Eco- ritorial planning? And how do we connect logical-Economic Zoning first phase. The territorial planning to actions carried out by second step took place between 2010 and public and private parties? 2014 and focused on filling information and It is well known that sustainability re- data gaps and refining ZEE/MS analyses. quires three inseparable pillars: environ- Beginning in 2015, the third step be- mental protection, economic viability and gan, this time at the municipal level, with social equity. Truly sustainable management development of zoning for the state capital, in the public interest depends, therefore, on Campo Grande, using resources from the substantial democratic participation by the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB). public and recognition of the multidisci- This phase coincided with an urban planning plinary scientific knowledge value. As such, second round for the municipality, called the the government needs to use appropriate in- “Director Plan”, carried out under the federal struments, so that sustainability becomes a City Statute law (Federal Law 10.257/2001). reality and is integrated into people’s daily During the planning process, instruments lives. One of these instruments is Ecologi- such as ZEE were used to develop environ- cal-Economic Zoning, or ZEE (in Brazil). mental zoning for the entire municipality. In the Mato Grosso do Sul state (MS), the Campo Grande is a municipality located government began working on statewide in the Cerrado biome at an 600 meters av- zoning in 2007. As a foundation, the state ad- erage elevation. The region is located along opted the ZEE matrix prepared for the Legal a hydrologic divide between the Paraguay Amazon (the geographic area containing all and Paraná river basins and has numerous nine states in the Amazon basin) by the Ter- headwater streams that contribute to both ritory Management Laboratory at the Rio de drainage basins, including some on the Par- Janeiro Federal University (LAGET / UFRJ). aguay side that form the Pantanal. Regional This model allows planners to establish a groundwater resources include the Guarani range of use conditions based on the rela- Aquifer. The municipality total area is 8,082 tionships between socioeconomic potential km², corresponding to 2.26% of the state’s and environmental vulnerability, resulting area, and the population in 2020 is 2.8 mil- in defined homogeneous areas (zones) of Re- lion people, as estimated by the Brazilian In- covery, Expansion, Consolidation and Con- stitute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). servation. In this manner, it was possible to The Campo Grande ecological-economic identify priorities for each zone and discuss zoning (ZEE/CG) is in full compliance with

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 27 the three chapters of Federal De- future generations and recogniz- planning units. For each planning cree 4.297/2002: (1) for establish- ing the intrinsic value of biodi- unit, the following were consid- ing environmental protection versity and its components. ered: the basin natural relief, avail- measures and standards aimed at In an unprecedented way, able cartographic materials for de- ensuring environmental, water ZEE/CG was implemented limiting areas, and the urban and and soil quality and biodiversity throughout the entire municipal- rural areas spatial configuration. conservation, ensuring sustain- ity, uniting zoning plans for rural Two other important re- able development and improv- and urban areas. Through this in- sults from the law include: the ing living conditions for the pop- strument, municipal administra- creation of 5 zones, based on ulation, (2) for organizing and tors and public and private parties socioeconomic potential and integrating decisions by public are now better able to understand environmental relevance, and a and private parties regarding and carry out territorial planning territorial planning matrix es- plans, programs, projects and ac- and organization in a balanced tablishment. Thanks to exhaus- tivities that, directly or indirectly, way, recognizing the municipali- tive classification and analysis use natural resources, ensuring ty’s socioeconomic potential and efforts, each zone has a detailed the natural capital maintenance its environmental relevance. description and respective rec- and environmental services pro- The Campo Grande ecologi- ommendations for use. The ter- vided by ecosystems and (3) for cal-economic zoning culminat- ritorial planning matrix also promoting ecological, econom- ed with the enactment of a new contributes to the application of ic and social sustainability with Municipal Law 6.407/2020. It zoning. the aim of reconciling econom- approves an analysis that defines Campo Grande has had an ic growth and natural resources 169 hydrographic basins and 58 Environmental Licensing Sys- protection, favoring present and micro-hydrographic basins as tem (SILAM) since 1999 to

28 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 monitor economic activities and ronmental requirements already mental planning development, businesses. In the new territori- established by law. The use con- i.e., the “Plano Diretor de Desen- al planning matrix, construction ditions of “B” and “C” are interme- volvimento Urbano Ambiental” projects are grouped into 3 cat- diary. At the other extreme, use (Complementary Municipal Law egories – according to their size conditions for “D” are the most 349/2019). The law regulates ur- and potential pollution impact rigorous, requiring specific terms ban macrozoning, environmen- – and designated for particular of reference, in addition to consul- tal zoning and identifies areas for areas according to the newly tations with the municipality. urban expansion. Consequently, defined zones: Ecological-Eco- The ZEE/CG also includes the municipality today has a le- nomic, Consolidation, Recovery, a territorial management guide gal framework that encompass- Expansion or Conservation. with several general recommen- es the entire territory, integrat- The integration between ter- dations and specific suggestions ing environmental and urban ritorial planning areas and activ- for each of the defined zones. demands. These instruments ity or business categories allows These materials are essential integrate municipal systems to planners to assign 4 types of for supporting decision makers, serve managers and investors in use conditions: A (recommend- ensuring a high level of techni- an efficient, indiscriminant and ed), B (recommended, requiring cal-scientific discussion during accessible manner for everyone. management), C (recommended, the territorial planning process And, they allow for effective cit- requiring special management) and guaranteeing participation by izen participation in territorial and D (recommended, requiring a well-informed general public. planning, respecting socioeco- specific management). For exam- Finally, Campo Grande mu- nomic differences and recogniz- ple, recommendation “A” is the nicipal zoning also served as ing the importance of environ- least rigorous and only has envi- the basis for urban environ- mental relevance.

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 29 fire Impacts THE FIRES BLEAK LEGACY

The main lesson from the 2019 and 2020 catastrophic events is to take fire prevention seriously

BY LIANA JOHN, OSVALDO BARASSI GAJARDO, JÚLIA CORRÊA BOOCK, FLÁVIA ACCETTURI SZUKALA ARAUJO, PAULA HANNA AND BRENO MELO

Bureaucracy gets in the way of the preventive fire use in Pantanal, out of dry season

Oxygen, fuel, ignition: fire droughts and associated increas- learning how to control wildfires does not exist without the com- es in fire hotspot numbers mon- over the next decades. But these bination of these three elements, itoring, as observed during 2018, lessons appear to have been and none of them were lacking 2019 and 2020. Historically, the overlooked for this 2020 decade. in the Pantanal, punished for two Pantanal has undergone even The essential lesson that years in a row by devastating longer drought periods, such as needs to be addressed is fuel: it fires in Brazil and neighboring the 14 consecutive years of un- needs to be reduced before the Paraguay and Bolivia. Oxygen is usually dry conditions between dry season. Management strat- always present in open-air envi- 1960 and 1974 when fires also egies to clear combustible vege- ronments. However, fuel and ig- devastated native vegetation and tation include weeding, clearing nition sources can be controlled pastures. The Pantanal was able or controlled burning. Prescribed by taking preventive measures, to recover from the fires, and past burning or fire management beginning with prolonged experiences were important for can be efficient and cost-effec-

30 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 tive when it is controlled, fast tinual monitoring. The Pantanal in the presence of periodic fires. and carried out during periods floodplain is regularly struck by The annual wet and dry seasons with cooler temperatures. Dry lightning. The number of light- are well defined, and above av- grass, hay, dead leaves, broken ning discharges per year in Mato erage flood and drought periods branches and fallen trees are Grosso do Sul is 10/km2, well have occurred for millennia. Liv- fuels that can influence the fire above the annual world average ing with devastating floods, or spread rate. This is common of 1 to 2/km2. Lightning is a nat- high fire risk periods, is engraved knowledge. However, a lack of ural ignition source for fires and in Pantaneiro memories - resi- clarity about the legal steps and must be monitored, so that fires dents of communities, ranches, procedures for fire management are put out while they are still indigenous lands or quilombolas Photo: Juliana Arini (communities with Afro-Brazil- ian slaves descendants). Tradi- tional knowledge must be com- bined with scientific information, proven techniques and modern resources to prevent future ca- tastrophes. Additionally, it is es- sential to avoid scenarios that cause environmentally harmful synergies between extreme cli- mate events and inadequate land- use practices, including high im- pact land-use conversions, like constructing dams, draining wet- lands and using unsustainable agricultural practices. The prolonged drought and its impact on the Pantanal nat- combined with bureaucracy has small. Human provoked ignitions ural flood pulse was one of the constrained Pantaneiros (people are caused by cigarette butts, main factors responsible for the from the Pantanal) from apply- burning trash and/or accumu- increase in fires numbers and ing adequate fuel management lated garbage that is poorly dis- the burned areas magnitude in techniques at appropriate times carded, fisherman campfires and 2019 and 2020. Rainfall from during the year, as they have poorly managed off-season ag- the headwaters in the surround- learned over the years from ex- ricultural fires. The fire ignitions ing highlands is one of the main perience and fire prevention control depends on education water sources that inundates the specialists. These problems also and information and is every- floodplain and feeds the Upper impede newcomers to the region one’s responsability at all times. Paraguay Basin (BAP) rivers. In from learning adequate fire pre- Similar to the Pampas and 2019 and 2020, rainfall was 25% vention techniques. Cerrado, the Pantanal is a fire-de- and 40% less than average, re- Ignition sources require con- pendent ecosystem that evolved spectively. These alterations in-

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 31 fluenced precipitation dynamics, Among the animals, many communities lost large por- causing rainfall to be concentrat- species are able to escape or seek tions of their lands that com- ed over fewer days, reducing wa- refuge in underground burrows, promised their food, work and ter absorption (water infiltration) natural tree cavities or aquat- income sources. What’s more, time and consequently failing to ic habitats. But, not all are quick the excessive smoke aggravated replenish the Pantanal aquifer. enough to escape alive. Today, the respiratory problems during an As a result, the lowest water-lev- Pantanal is monitored by a large already critical period caused by el in 47 years was registered on number of researchers, equipped the COVID-19 pandemic. Fur- the Paraguay River (similar to with cameras, radios and oth- thermore the fire destroyed me- records from the 14-year drought er devices to track and record dicinal plants frequently used in the 1960s / 1970s). wildlife in their natural environ- to cure such illnesses. Tourism, Unlike controlled fires, wild- ments. Even with these resourc- already suffering due to the pan- fires have a major impact on es, the researchers were not able demic and the drought, was also plants, wildlife and people’s lives. to estimate the total number of severely impacted. The vegetation in flooded areas is rich in biomass, and organic mat- ter accumulates in the soil, which is beneficial in terms of nutrient inputs and carbon sequestration. However, during prolonged dry seasons, this rich soil with or- ganic material, similar to peat, facilitates the underground fires continued burning even after the large visible flames have dimin- ished. In slightly higher forest- Photo: Osvaldo Gajardo ed regions, there are many plant animals that were injured or died Fire brigades, trained species that have developed fire from the fires. The images cap- and equipped (top), resistant adaptations. For exam- tured while rescuing animals are prevent large fires ple, some have thick bark or roots devastating: tapirs and jaguars capable of sprouting through the with paws burned to the bone; (side page) ashes. But there are also many charred giant anteaters; contort- In Brazil, emergency bri- fire-sensitive species. When fires ed skeletons of large and small gades were set up to combat the are very large and create high animals immobilized in running fires, uniting volunteers from temperatures, they can affect the positions. In a drying pond, some neighboring ranches, tourism Pantanal flora composition and surviving white-lipped pecca- inns, local communities and diversity, favoring resistant plants ries were observed trying to pro- state and government agencies. and reducing or eliminating sen- tect their young among hungry Many volunteers relied only sitive ones. Maintaining the nat- caimans and other adults from on improvised fire flappers (for ural diversity and composition of the herd carcasses. smothering the flames) and plants is essential for the biome. Many ranchers and local courage. Sadly, some died sur-

32 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 rounded by the flames. Others fires, which resulted in deaths round. They act as a barrier to received protective firefight- and the homes, vegetable gar- slow or stop the wildfire prog- ing gear, fire extinguishers, and dens, and livestock corrals loss- ress, especially during the ear- other equipment donated from es. In the Bolivian Pantanal, the ly stages. However, when the non-governmental organiza- number of fires was greater in flames get very high and hot, tions. For example, WWF-Brazil 2019. In 2020, the fire hotspots they are able to jump gaps such provided equipment for firefight- number was above average, but as roads, rivers and firebreaks. In ers, firefighting training courses they were concentrated in the these situations, the only solu- and donations of food baskets Chaco ecosystem. The two most tions are aerial firefighting or (containing Brazil’s customary affected wetland reserves were heavy rains. food staples) for local commu- the Otuquis National Park and The lack of an efficient com- munication system in the Pan- tanal was also a problem. Pan- taneiros organized themselves via amateur radio networks to provide information about wild- fire movements. In the tri-na- tional Rio Negro region, an inter- national coordination network system was created between WWF-Paraguai and WWF-Bo- livia country offices. They cir- culated daily reports on wildfire movements and when neces- sary, set up emergency fire man- Photo: Silas Ismael agement groups. To try to mini- nities impacted by the fires and the San Matías Integrated Nat- mize the wildlife loss from the wildlife rescue teams working ural Management Area, both fires, researchers, veterinarians during post-fire periods. close to the Brazil-Bolivia border and volunteers set up temporary WWF-Paraguay also facil- In the Brazilian Pantanal, frontline treatment centers in itated firefighting training in where access via primitive roads the Pantanal for injured animals. 2019 and 2020 by offering tech- and trails is harsh, fires are gen- When necessary, animals were nical support and partnering erally difficult to control. In addi- transported to a veterinary hos- with local groups, the national tion, firefighting resources from pital or a rescue and rehabilita- government, and firefighters that the federal government arrived tion center (CRAS or CETAS) for came from Bolivia. In Paraguay, far too late. Firebreaks lack was further treatment. Some animals the focus was on the Río Negro another factor that did not help recovered and were reintroduced National Park, the Los Tres Gi- slow down the fires. Firebreaks into their habitat. Others are still gantes Biological Reserve and (aceiros) are strips of land that recovering. Numerous NGO cam- the San Rafael community. The have been cleared of vegeta- paigns helped raise money for community was hard-hit by the tion and are maintained all year medications, vehicles, food, cap-

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 33 2018 FIRE POINTS IN THE INTERNATIONAL PANTANAL Territorial distribution of the total hot spots detected in the international Pantanal by NA- SA’s MODIS-Aqua reference orbital monitoring system throughout 2018, 2019 and 2020

ture equipment, animal enclo- ers set up 160 feeding station have been decimated. Although sures and other important items platforms and water sources for “invisible” to most people, they that allowed volunteers and vet- the surviving wildlife. Howev- perform essential ecosystem erinarians to work in the field and er, in some locations, stations services such as soil aeration / treat as many animals as possible. have attracted predators due to fertilization, organic matter de- Dead animals, of all sizes, the potential prey concentration, composition, pollination, etc. were scattered everywhere. At similar to a bait station set up by Their absence will have signif- first, the carcasses abundance hunters. Therefore, the medium icant ecological impacts as the provided some advantages for to long-term effects of providing vegetation and wildlife popula- carnivores and scavengers. Over food provisions for wildlife need tions slowly begin to recover. the months, however, a reduc- to be carefully evaluated. tion in prey populations has be- Rare, small and / or less char- come a problem. For herbivores – ismatic creatures - such as mi- frugivores in particular – hunger croorganisms, insects, amphib- arrived quickly, adding another ians and reptiles - were equally threat for these animals so soon impacted. Entire populations after the fires were extinguished. Because charred trees, leaves and fruits do not provide food, ani- mals need to find unburned veg- etation areas, possibly increasing competition between species. Researchers, landowners, NGOs, snake skeleton Greater rhea (Rhea americana) volunteers and tourism inn own- Photo: Silas Ismael Photo: Bruno Carvalho 34 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 2019 2020

WILDFIRES IN 2019 AND 2020 Figures related to the Pantanal biome in Brazil, according to INPE, based on the hot spots detection by the Acqua / NASA system and burned areas estimations (km2)

Hot Spots 2019 Hot Spots 2020 Burned area 2019 Burned area 2020

January Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

There are also concerns cies, from insects to fish. practices for land use – includ- about water quality. With the Fortunately, the Pantanal is ing natural vegetation mosaics rains arrival, after such intense resilient and is already rising maintenance and fire prevention and widespread fires, a large from the ashes. The community’s management measures – should amount of ash is carried to lakes, role now is to monitor and study be widely promoted, dissemi- vazantes (seasonal wetlands) impacts and changes from the nated and incorporated into the and rivers. This alters the wa- fire and assist with restoration Pantanal inhabitants and visitors ters chemical composition. High projects. One of the largest wet- daily routines, this includes the concentrations of potassium and lands in the world, the biome is general public and government nitrogen compounds - beneficial unique in terms of biodiversity representatives. Prevention is al- for grass regrowth on land - can and its capacity to support human ways the best option, and it is an be toxic to a range of aquatic spe- – biodiversity coexistence. Best achievable goal for society.

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 35 resilience

With their nests threatened by fire, hyacinth macaws STUBBORN resist and do not abandon their chicks. Now they need SURVIVORS your help!

BY NEIVA MARIA ROBALDO GUEDES, PEDRO SCHERER-NETO, FERNANDA MUSSI FONTOURA, LUCIANA PINHEIRO FERREI- RA, KEFANY RAMALHO, ANA CECÍLIA DE PAULA LOURENÇO, BRUNO HENRIQUE GROLLI CARVALHO, MARCOS ROBERTO FERRAMOSCA AND THAMY DE ALMEIDA MOREIRA

During very dry years, when come excessively hot. Under nus) in 2019 and 2020 when fires dominate the landscape these conditions, only those an- the Pantanal experienced se- and spread across the Pantanal imals that can run, jump, crawl vere drought and uncontrolled floodplain, some wildlife are or fly fast enough in the right wildfires two years in a row. able to escape or find safe ref- direction are able to escape. Since 1994, hyacinth macaw uge. In most cases, fires reach This is what happened nests have been monitored by high into the trees and spread with many hyacinth macaws the Hyacinth Macaw Institute quickly, and temperatures be- (Anodorhynchus hyacinthi- (HMI) at Caiman Ecological

36 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 Refuge (REC) in the Miranda same tree cavity (or River region of Mato Grosso do artificial nest) for Sul state, Brazil. In September years. Palm fruits 2019, a fire started on a REC’s found near the neighboring ranch and spread nests are used quickly across the Aquidauna to feed their River, and throughout the re- young. Numer- gion. A combination of factors ous macaw was responsible for this fire: wind and low relative humid- ity, high temperatures and dry organic material accumula- tion. Unfortunately, the flames tree cavities are disputed by other birds, so the ata) and bocaiúva (Acro- cavities make up an important comia aculeata), important biodiversity component. palm resources, were also de- Hyacinth macaws are large stroyed. Both species occur in birds and fast fliers, but when homogeneous formations and the fires arrived, they were in serve as a “pantry” for hyacinth their reproductive period peak macaws, which have one of the with eggs or newborn chicks. most specialized diets among Frequently used nesting sites birds in the Pantanal. and an entire hyacinth macaws Almost half (49%) of the generation was threatened. active hyacinth macaw nests The fire spread quickly and for suffered some impact. In some 16 days all the ranch employ- cases, the fire reached the nest ees, hotel staff and researchers site and both eggs and chicks were fighting the out-of-con- were killed (this is called “di- trol fire nightmare. After more rect failure”). In other cases, the than two weeks, the rains fi- fire did not burn the tree, but nally arrived and extinguished offspring mortality was caused Photos: Bruno Carvalho the flames. by heat and/or smoke (“indirect reached the REC, one of the About 60% of the REC failure”). Also, the fire reached largest hyacinth macaw repro- burned with varying levels of the nest surroundings, but not duction sites in the Pantanal. fire intensity impacting differ- the cavities and at least one of At the Caiman area, there ent areas. For example, in some the chicks survived (“direct in- are 98 registered nests, 51 of areas, all the vegetation was terference”). And there was also which are natural and 47 arti- charred, and in others, only the the opposite: the fire did not ficial. Similar to other macaws, grasses and undergrowth veg- reach the nesting tree area, but the hyacinth form monogamous etation were burned. Extensive there was surrounding envi- pairs, and repeatedly use the areas of acuri (Attalea phaler- ronmental damage that reduced

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 37 Photo: Thamy Moreira offspring survival (“indirect in- The hyacinth macaw repro- terference”). duction center at REC is con- For some hyacinth macaw sidered a natural laboratory for nests, tree trunks were lined gaining knowledge about the with metallic straps sheets to complex relationships between reduce the eggs and chicks’ the macaws and their environ- predation by other wildlife. ment. Ultimately, the fire-relat- When the fire spread across ed losses effects on current and the landscape, these straps not future generations still need to only helped to protect the nests be observed, especially if the from the flames, but also pro- offspring do not join the repro- tected the hyacinth offspring ductive population within 9 or by deterring predators from 10 years. All of these observa- climbing the trees. tions will contribute to discus- Fire impacts monitoring on sions on fire prevention and the macaws began shortly after remediation measures, focusing the fire and continued until the on reducing negative impacts end of their reproduction cycle during and after the fires. in 2019. In addition to monitor- In fact, some lessons learned ing nests, other factors related in 2019 were applied to protect- Metal straps and weeding to burned vegetation and the ing hyacinth macaws during protect nests (top and side offspring survival were evalu- the 2020 breeding season, when page right). Acuri coconuts ated. For example, the ripe palm the Pantanal floodplain burned matured one year later (center) resources loss, such as acuri and again. The fires were caused by bocaiúva; the decrease in fruit a prolonged drought combined The Hyacinth Macaw Insti- production and the monodomi- with strong winds and high tem- tute has been monitoring hya- nant palm formations loss, such peratures, the highly-combus- cinth macaw nests on the ranch as acurizais and bocaiuvais; tible decomposing vegetation since 2000 when the first popu- and the increased adults and accumulation and weak enforce- lation survey was conducted. In offspring predation rate. Moni- ment measures for controlling 2005, the team initiated an eval- toring data on fire impacts will unauthorized burning. In 2020, uation of the hyacinth macaw’s be necessary for several years temperatures were higher and reproductive success by register- in order to determine the effects fires were more numerous, wide- ing and mapping the nest sites. on plant and animal communi- spread and difficult to control. On July 30, 2020, local informa- ties. And this shall include hya- New areas were burned in 2020 tion indicated that a fire started cinth macaw disputes with in- such as the São Francisco do Per- at an Indigenous Territory, home sects and other birds that have igara ranch in Mato Grosso state, to the Boe people (formely called also lost nesting sites and will an important refuge with the Bororo). It was raging and fierce. try to occupy suitable nest cav- highest hyacinth macaws con- Help to fight the fire came from ities. centration in the Pantanal. other farmers, volunteers, and

38 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 Photo: Neiva Guedes Photo: Bruno Carvalho firefighters from the SESC Pan- 92% of the ranch. Only the area fire. It is very difficult to obtain tanal private reserve. around the ranch home, where accurate numbers on animals However, fires are difficult to the macaws roosted and some and species impacted by the fire, control in a region with difficult other few vegetation patches but the loss was enormous. access, without roads, with lit- escaped the fire. In addition to the plants and tle water during the dry season The researchers were only animals, numerous ecological and sparse infrastructure. Con- able to assess the impacts on the and functional relationships sequently, it didn’t take long for hyacinth macaw population a were destroyed or damaged. the fire to reach the São Fran- month after the fire. Many car- Tree cavities, nectar production, cisco do Perigara ranch, and by casses had already decayed or the fruits abundance and many August 1st, small savannah-for- been consumed by scavengers, other resources – essential as est patches started to burn. so could not be counted. Even so, dens and nesting sites or food Unfortunately, the fire quickly thousands of mammals, reptiles, resources – will take years or spread throughout the property amphibians and insects were decades to recover. and burned for 21 days, caus- lost along with important habitat About 35% of hyacinth ma- ing varying levels of damage to and food sources burned in the caw nests at the Perigara ranch

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 39 were affected by the fire. Fortu- adult hyacinths were registered Based on lessons learned nately, the active nests were all after the fire, a number close about post-fire management, in areas with moderate-intensi- to the 750 observed in August it was essential to immediate- ty fires, often burning at the tree 2019. However, they stopped ly supplement reduced fruit base, but without flames reach- using their usual roosting site availability with acuri and bo- ing the nesting cavity. Based on close to the ranch home, where caiúva nuts provided at feeding the age of fledglings, research- they have been gathering for station platforms. Additional ers concluded that they all over 60 years. Small groups of water sources were also nec- were born after the fire. Some macaws were found, scattered essary, and by December 2020, nests were preserved thanks near small, drying ponds. A two wells and twelve water to the vegetation clearing (fire- large group remained around troughs/dugouts were built for break) around the trees, made a lake with some water and the hyacinth macaws. All the

in January 2020. This man- acuri and bocaiúva nuts piles trees trunks with active nests agement strategy reduces the regurgitated by cattle. The ma- were lined with metallic straps fuel amount for the fire and the caws traditionally follow the sheets. Artificial nests were re- height of the flames. cattle in the pasture and pick installed to replace damaged Although many hyacinth through the cattle regurgita- ones, and additional nests were macaw palm resources from tions for palm nuts, because it placed throughout the region to acurizais and bocaiuvais were is easier to crack open the nuts compensate for the fire dam- destroyed, the adults remained once they pass through a cows’ aged natural cavities loss. on the ranch. A total of 736 digestive system. Natural nests in trees need

40 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 maintenance to increase the camera traps during the fires. the pair is unable to feed all the tree cavity longevity. This in- Videos of hyacinth macaws fledglings. Only the strongest cludes clearing combustible recorded how parents did not chick of each clutch survives to vegetation at the trees bases. abandon their chicks or eggs, the age of flight and leaves the Installing camera traps post- even when the fire was close. nest. Management of the sec- fire helps monitor the general And now, like all the other fire ond chick involves rescuing the behavior and birds and wildlife survivors, they must overcome weakest chick(s) from the nest movements. Its is also import- three main challenges: finding and raising it for future reintro- ant to monitore the natural key food and nest sites (protected duction into the wild; artificially plants recovery such as acuri, from rain or direct sunlight), increasing the new generation bocaiúva and manduvi (Stercu- and to be in good condition survival rate. lia apetala), the latter which the in order to defend themselves Many lessons emerged from these two fire-impacted In Perigara, surviving years. Nature will recover. Signs macaws follow of recovery are seen a year and the cattle to eat a half (January 2021) after the regurgitated acuris fire at REC. The rains have re- newed the landscape. Acurizais produced ripe and green fruit against predators. bunches from acuri palms still In the wake of the wildfires black from the flames. Like the that advanced across large Pan- acuris, other plant species have tanal portions, the demand for fire resistant traits and show healthy habitats, nest sites, and resilience. However, large ar- food resources is much greater eas have been burned, many than what the environment is ecological functions have not able to supply for wildlife. This been reestablished and due to may cause displacement and the long recovery times, there individuals or species disper- will be food shortages for many sal. For this reason, new proj- animals, some of which are vul- Photo: Bruno Carvalho ects – including management nerable species. hyacinth relies on almost ex- of the second macaw chick This is the case for the hya- clusively for nesting. If the data – should be discussed and de- cinth macaw. Despite its size and indicates low post-fire regener- veloped in partnership with demonstrated resistance, the ation of these key species, then technicians and analysts from species needs special attention seedlings and seeds planting the Chico Mendes Institute and an Emergency Recovery shall be initiated to help restore for Biodiversity Conservation Plan to minimize fire impacts these essencial resources. (ICMBio). Clarifying: although over the short, medium and long- Remarkably, parental care the hyacinth macaw lays two term. The society support will behavior was observed with or sometimes 3 eggs per clutch, be essential during this process.

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 41 lant-animal interactions

NATURE’S NURSES Pollinators help the Pantanal recuperate from devastating fires by distributing the pollen of a wide variety of plant species across the landscape

BY CAMILA SILVEIRA SOUZA, PIETRO K. MARUYAMA, CAROLINE L. GROSS AND ANDRÉA CARDOSO DE ARAUJO

Photo: Camila Souza

In 2020, the Pantanal bi- without fully recovering from fer – from the deforestation ome faced one of the greatest the 2019 fires and drought. effects. All this devastation droughts in its recent histo- During this critical period, the has impacted – and continues ry and suffered uncontrolled Pantanal floodplain also suf- to impact – native animals wildfires. This all happened fered – and continues to suf- and plants, including species

42 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 known to science and those vation strategies and deci- Mutualistic interactions we still have not discovered. sion-making that ensure the are widespread in nature Adding to these impacts’ se- survival and resilience of all and have played a major verity is the plant-animal in- plants and animals are need- role in the life diversifica- teractions disruption. ed. Just to remember, resil- tion on Earth. A persistent Most plants depend on ience, is an ecosystem and/ challenge is to understand their pollinators for fruit and or populationcapacity to re- how these mutualistic in- seed production and to ensure spond to a disturbance by re- teractions evolve, coevolve their reproductive success. sisting environmental dam- and vary between species For this reason, it is essential age and recovering quickly. and communities. Thus, in a to recognize plant-pollinator In the dry and burned Pan- community, although inter- interactions importance to tanal, where the slow healing actions between plants and pollinators occur between Bee visits the water two species, they also form primrose flower (left) part of a network in which and the bumblebee tens to hundreds of species interact directly or indirect- pollinates the yellow ly with each other. Gaining “paratudo” (left) knowledge about the roles played by different species in this network is essential to understand the communities structure and functioning. To process is in progress, observ- what extent are species in- ing plant-animal interactions teraction networks impacted in nature can be a reward- by environmental changes ing experience. Sightings of such as deforestation, fires frugivorous birds feeding on and global warming? fruits or hummingbirds look- Interaction networks ing for nectar and pollinating have distinct patterns in dif- flowers are special. These in- ferent communities. One of teractions are mutually ben- these patterns is the species eficial: plants concentratesubgroups formation that in- Photo: Camila Souza energy into the flowers and teract more with each other ecological communities in fruits production, and in re- than with other species in the Pantanal. This is espe- turn, they attract animals. the network. Such species cially relevant for the current Animals move plant genes subgroups are called mod- recuperation phase, during across the landscape and their ules. They can be formed which appropriate conser- service is rewarded with food. due to different processes,

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 43 for example, as a result of floral resources. In addition, included flooded areas with greater overlap between par- the resources availability of- monodominant formations ticular plant and pollinator fered by flowers to their pol- of paratudo (Tabebuia aurea) species in time and space, linators, such as the flower and canjiqueira (Byrsonima or greater specialization of shapes diversity, nectar/pol- cydoniifolia) and riparian for- some pollinators for plants len/oil types and color, can est formations representative that have certain traits and influence these interactions of the Miranda subregion in

Photo: Karen Santos

Stingless bee structure and dynamics. the southern Pantanal. (Trigona spinipes) on In order to understand Three Pantanal com- herbal flower (genus plant-pollinator interaction munities diurnal plant-pol- Richardia) networks in the Pantanal, a linator interactions were study was carried out in three documented for two years different vegetation mosaics (October 2014 to Septem- of the Pantanal biome. The ber 2016). The objective was different vegetation mosaics to evaluate how interaction

44 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 networks were structured for 9.3% of the interactions, and the interactions between in these environments. For followed by the water prim- plants and pollinators. example, the occurrence of rose Ludwigia elegans (5.9%), These results prompt- species modules and flow- and the “paratudo” Tabebuia ed an evaluation of the pos- er traits responsible for the aurea (5.8%), the latter two sible wildfires impacts on modules’ organization were species with similar interac- plant-animal interactions. As evaluated. Did the Pantanal tion percentages. more specialized interactions dry and wet seasons affect When looking at net- tend to occur during the dry the network structure? Were work interactions formed in season, fire can have serious there seasonal differences the Pantanal, it is possible impacts on plant-pollinator due to the amount of avail- to identify 11 different mod- relationships. Furthermore, able floral resources or the ules. Most animal species more sensitive native spe- flower traits? belonged to more than one cies are especially at risk, A total of 14,512 plant-pol- pollinator group. However, enabling exotic and invasive linator interactions were ob- some modules were strong- species, such as the European served that included 78 an- ly associated with specific bee (Apis mellifera), to spread. imal species and 105 plant groups, such as humming- Even before the uncontrolled species. Bees were responsi- birds, beetles or bees that spe- fires, the European bee was a ble for 87% of all interactions; cialize in collecting floral oils. dominant member of the bee- followed by birds (8.9%); other In addition, the plants in each plant interaction network. insects, such as flies and bee- module had similar charac- Among other important tles (3%), and butterflies (1%). teristics, such as size of flow- measures to promote re- The exotic bee, Apis mellifera, er, color, and floral resources covery of Pantanal vegeta- was the most common polli- (nectar, pollen and/or oil). tion burned during the 2019 nator (65% of all interactions The network structure and 2020 droughts, it will in the community). The na- varied considerably between be essential to preserve sur- tive bee (Bombus morio) was the dry and wet seasons. In rounding areas that were not the next most common pol- the dry season, the network burned. Only then will polli- linator, 5.4%, followed by the was characterized by re- nators be able to return post- hummingbird (Hylocharis duced floral resources abun- fire and actively promote chrysura) and another native dance, and consequently, it pollen flow between flowers bee (Trigona spinipes), 4.7% showed higher levels of spe- in the burned and unburned and 4.5%, respectively. cialization and modularity. vegetation remnants. It will Among the plant species, These results were similar to be essential to rely on the a common regional herba- those from other vegetation ecosystem services provid- ceous plant (Richardia gran- formations in neighboring ed by these insects and birds diflora) was responsible for biomes, such as the Chaco to ensure the reproductive most of the interactions in and Cerrado. Seasonal varia- success of plant species and the community (14%). A tree tion does seem to affect the the reestablishment of plants (Inga vera) was responsible floral resources availability and animals in burned areas.

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 45 regional planning

Landscape scenario simulations allow us LANDSCAPE to build a collectively desired future for the PROJECTIONS Pantanal

BY ANGÉLICA GUERRA, JÚLIO CÉSAR SAMPAIO DA SILVA, CÁSSIO BERNARDINO E FABIO DE OLIVEIRA ROQUE

Photo: Liana John

46 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 What future do we want plain. However, only 39% of version to planted pasture for the Pantanal? This is a the native vegetation remains and crops. Landowners find key question for planning a in the highlands surrounding this region ideal for native future built by all and mov- the Pantanal. According to a habitat conversion, because it ing forward in the right di- study by WWF, if the trend of does not experience the typ- rection. When planning for vegetation loss from the past ical Pantanal flood pulse. A the future, it is necessary to 10 years is maintained until crucial observation is that the think about trends, desires, 2050, approximately 6,000 conversions are often con- risks, uncertainties and con- km² and 8,000 km² of native centrated in the same general sequences. Regional plan- vegetation will be lost on the region or in neighboring loca- ning can only benefit from Pantanal floodplain and in tions. It is also worth empha- incorporating these ideas. the surrounding highlands, sizing that these vegetation Even though they are com- respectively. loss values were projected plex, probability analyses are These vegetation loss for a scenario of full compli- able to simulate landscape projected values may seem ance with federal and state change scenarios and pro- small when compared to laws, as well as maintenance duce results that can serve other biomes, such as the of current livestock produc- as a basis for public policies Amazon, Cerrado and Atlan- tion practices. If a significant around the world. tic Forest. However, it is im- increase in livestock produc- This also applies to the portant to point out that the tion occurs, the losses will be Pantanal. In recent years, 2050 projection of 6,000 km² greater and/or more concen- land-use simulation stud- of native vegetation loss in trated. In addition, if we con- ies have revealed patterns the Pantanal is concentrated sider the possibility of strong of change highlighting both in a small transitional area growth in rural production the potential benefits and between the floodplain and – with crops or planted pas- possible impacts resulting highlands called the “Pan- tures expansion and envi- from different pathways, or tanal Native Vegetation Loss ronmental laws weakening trajectories, in the future. In Arc”. – by 2050, native vegetation other words, based on these In two of the areas locat- loss could reach 12,900 km² simulations, it becomes safer ed in the “Arc”, native vege- and 10,000 km², in the Pan- to move in a particular direc- tation is already limited to tanal floodplain and high- tion, because there are fewer steep hillsides and slopes lands, respectively. In reality, unpredictable outcomes. and Permanent Protected Ar- native habitat conversion in According to data pre- eas (APPs). In another area of the “Arc” has occurred very sented by SOS Pantanal (a re- the “Arc”, the river is not pro- rapidly, highlighting that the gional NGO), the Pantanal is tected by a riparian APP as region requires urgent imple- the Brazilian biome with the required by the Forest Code. mentation of public policies highest percentage of native In the “Arc”, the vege- that reduce native vegetation vegetation: approximately tation loss occurs mainly conversion. 87% remains on the flood- through native habitat con- Fortunately, simulations

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 47 PANTANAL NATIVE VEGETATION LOSS ARC SCENARIO

don’t indicate only negative ronmental laws. Working to- native vegetation loss, eco- scenarios. They also point ward favoring these positive system services associated out positive outcomes such scenarios, as alternatives to with these areas, such as soil as the biodiversity conserva- negative ones, is a very ef- conservation, carbon stock tion value associated with an fective option for develop- maintenance and others, increase in protected areas ing regional public policies. would be maintained. and compliance with envi- In addition to preventing Research on landscape

48 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 scenarios is just beginning in jectories, that promote posi- the Pantanal and surround- the region. However, results tive outcomes for biodiversi- ing highlands are directly can already contribute to dis- ty, and for the people living dependent on the ecosystem cussions concerning a desir- in the Pantanal or who are services preservation. able future for the Pantanal. from the Pantanal. It is feasi- Public policies based on clear ble to reconcile biodiversity Watch a video illustrating and objective information fa- conservation and agricul- land use changes in the vors smart and sustainable tural production, and reduce “Pantanal Native Vegeta- decisions. Furthermore, land- negative environmental con- tion Loss Arc”. Available scape scenarios can provide sequences. After all, cattle from the link: https://ti- alternative pathways, or tra- ranching and crop farming in nyurl.com/y28xpl6b.

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 49 tourism and Conservation FISHES OF BONITO Project commemorates 20 years connecting science, communities, species protection and sustainable visitation

BY JOSÉ SABINO AND LUCIANA PAES DE ANDRADE

50 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 Photo: José Sabino when the monkeys are foraging Piraputangas wait for in gallery forests, fruits often fall the fruits droped by in the river. When they fall into Capuchin monkeys crystal clear water, fish are at- tracted to the abundant meal. So, a tip from a local observer cul- ated by the remarkably trans- minated in a scientific descrip- parent waters. tion of a relationship between a That day – and the infor- nuclear animal (a monkey) that mation exchange richness – provides food to its followers left a mark on the visitors. It (the fish), who take advantage of made such an impression that the monkey’s leftovers. it changed the direction of the Although the published research conducted by José Sa- scientific article was compre- bino, then professor at the São hensive, it resulted in some un- Paulo Pontificial Catholic Uni- expected developments. The versity (PUC-SP) and research- unusual connection between “pi- er associated with the Zoology raputanga” fishes and capuchin Museum at the Campinas Uni- monkeys in Bodoquena rivers versity (Unicamp). The fishes of captured the interest of people Bonito rapidly became his stud- from outside academic circles. ies object, fulfilling a dream and The results were summarized in creating the project of a lifetime. Biology text books and included One comment from the experi- in articles for magazines like Na- enced guide, in particular, stood tional Geographic. Teachers also out from the lively chat by the discussed the subject matter with river: “in Bonito, the capuchin their students, and it was pre- Just after dawn, a gallery monkeys (Sapajus cay) provide sented in several documentaries forest trail led two researchers food for the ‘piraputanga’ fish- by international broadcasters, and a guide to the Rio Formoso es (Brycon hilarii)”. Sabino im- like BBC TV, Animal Planet and banks in Mato Grosso do Sul. It mediately shared this with his the Discovery Channel, as well was July 1995 and the Serra da doctoral advisor, biologist (and as on programs for Brazilian tele- Bodoquena crystalline rivers ethologist) Ivan Sazima. Etholo- vision, such as “Globo Repórter” had piqued two scholars’ inter- gy, just to remember, is the ani- and “Terra da Gente”. est. Local observations made by mal behavior study. The way in which this topic resident Paulo Ronda punctu- A quick literature search reached both scientists and doc- ated the conversation, drawing confirmed records of “destruc- umentary producers reveals the the attention of friends Otavio tive foraging” by capuchin mon- importance of the connection Froehlich and José Sabino to one keys: for every two to three fruits between local communities – detail or another that they ob- placed in their mouth, many in this case, represented by the served through the window cre- others fall to the ground. And, tour guides – and researchers.

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 51 Photo: Olivier Lucanus

For scientific discoveries to have in the world. This is also true for tensive collaborative network an impact beyond the restricted the ichthyofauna: approximately comprised of specialists from domain of academic production, 3,200 species of fish are known Brazil and abroad. Publica- it is necessary to listen with zeal from inland waters. This num- tions contributed by this group and attention to reports from the ber will most likely continue to have expanded our biodiversity local community, analyze the increase given the still limited knowledge and promoted this literature, adapt the knowledge knowledge about occurrences extraordinary natural heritage with specialized language, pub- throughout the country. A sig- region conservation. Naturally, lish a scientific article and, final- nificant portion of these inland this amazing window into the ly, share the knowledge gained fishes inhabit muddy or dark natural world is not only for sci- with the local community. waters, making it difficult for entists. Its unique habitats are Adopting these same steps, people to observe them. So, the ideal for humans to interact with José Sabino located and de- Serra da Bodoquena region crys- freshwater organisms: the fish scribed the albino suckermouth tal clear waters provide a great are no longer considered just catfish (Ancistrus formoso), a opportunity for observing and food or “smelly” animals, but are naturally rare endangered spe- gaining knowledge about Bra- admired as a tourist attraction! cies endemic to flooded cavities zil’s aquatic biodiversity. Floating tours currently oc- at the Rio Formoso source. This Studies in the region pro- cur in the Prata and Sucuri riv- time, a tip about the catfish ex- gressed from basic fish fauna ers, in the Barra do Sucuri, Baía istence in caves came from the surveys to more applied inves- Bonita and Nascente Azul, the guide Sergio Gonzalez, the leg- tigations on particular species latter being an artificial environ- endary “Sergião da Gruta”. ecology and conservation. Over ment. Among the approximately For practically all animal the past 20 years, researchers 200 thousand tourists received groups, biodiversity is higher in based at the Anhanguera-Uni- annually in the region, approx- Brazil than in any other country derp University created an ex- imately 60% (120 thousand) opt

52 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 Photo: Marcelo Krause putangas”, always interested in potential food items thrown into the water. Pieces of bread, corn and processed snacks became part of the fish’s diet, causing a significant increase of visceral fat and an average increase of

In the Bonito transparencies, tourists float in Olho d’Agua (left) and watch big fishes, like the “dourado” (right) for floating tours into the trans- “mato-grosso” (Hyphessobrycon 19% in the examined specimens’ parent waters, made with the eques), to the grayish-blue “cu- weight. At the request of the guides suport, snorkeling equip- rimbatá” (Prochilodus lineatus) State’s Public Ministry and the ment and neoprene clothing. and even the unjustly feared “pi- Bonito municipal government, Floating tours in the Bodo- ranha” (Serrasalmus maculatus). researchers from the Fishes of quena springs and rivers are a In addition, the visitor sees a wide Bonito Project carried out a study fascinating experience. There variety of aquatic plants, forming that provided recommendations are few places in the world where remarkable submerged gardens, for regulating fish feeding. To- genuine, harmonious contacts which are inhabited or visited by day, tourists are only allowed to between visitors and animals crabs, snails, caiman, giant otters, give limited quantities of nutri- are possible. Coexistence reigns. tapirs and anacondas. tionally balanced fish feed. Respect and an absence of fear Another result of this expe- In September 2004, in part- govern the connection between rience is to perceive rivers differ- nership with the São Paulo Uni- people and nature, regulated by ently, not just as places to obtain versity (USP), the Mato Gros- monitoring methods and sus- water or dump sewage. All of the so do Sul Federal University tainability indicators develop- “hidden” biodiversity is evident (UFMS) and the Smithsonian ment for this type of tourism. and starts to populate the visi- Institution, the Fishes of Bonito The fishes are the stars. tors minds, whether scientists or Project members carried out an During a brief floating tour, it is tourists. Regulations for visitors extensive fish species inventory possible to observe varying sizes, interacting with fauna have also from the Serra da Bodoquena re- shapes and colors species: from changed: until the early 2,000s gion. The resulting list reached the imposing “dourado” (Salmi- in the Municipal Balneario almost 100 species, of which ap- nus brasiliensis), one of the larg- (swimming area) of Bonito, tour- proximately 15% were previous- est predatory fish in Brazilian ists were allowed to feed the ly not known to science, includ- rivers, to the small scarlet-red fish. This mainly attracted “pira- ing some endemic species, such

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 53 as the previously cited albino around conserving or econom- these high turbidity events have suckermouth catfish. ically exploiting natural areas. been broadcast by the media, The Fishes of Bonito Proj- Carried out following regulations causing a great deal of worry ect also produced results in the for visitation limits established and push back from the lucrative education and environmental by scientific studies, it can work. tourism industry responsible for awareness areas. Through part- In the Bonito case, most tourism 7 thousand jobs in Bonito alone nerships with floating tour or- activities appear to have had pos- and generating an annual in- ganizers, such as those from itive impacts, since, over the past come around R$ 300 million. the Recanto Ecológico Rio da few decades, the integrity of eco- The amazing water quality Prata and Rio Sucuri, educa- systems have not changed sig- that characterizes the Serra da tional booklets and underwater nificantly as a visitations result. Bodoquena region – a paradise guides about fish species were However, the beauty and sci- formed by scenic rivers, water- produced. The materials supple- entific importance of the region falls and flooded caves – is at ment the knowledge passed on are being threatened by factors the mercy of impacts from land by guides and promote greater other than controlled tourism. use change. It is not a question understanding among visitors Since 2012, the agricultural com- of demonizing one society seg- about the rivers and their inhab- modities increasing value and In order not to disturb itants. In terms of scientific dis- demand has intensified land use semination on a broader scale, change characterized by pas- the crystal clear waters, results from the project inspired tures and native vegetation con- tourism is controlled. But and continue to inspire the video version to crop plantations. As a agricultural activities still documentaries production. result, there are already disturb- need rules

Photo: José Sabino

Tourism based on biodiver- ing trends notices: rivers where ment or another, but of impos- sity observation has become visibility reached 50 meters in ing legislation that protects the increasingly popular, especial- the past currently may become Bonito region, especially the ly because it is recognized as a cloudy from sediment runoff Formoso and Prata rivers and solution for resolving conflicts after rainfall events. Reports of all the associated biodiversi-

54 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 ty. The Crystalline Waters Act must be monitored, mitigated mal impact or monitoring tourist already exists (Law 1871/1998 and addressed through plan- activity if society is not involved MS) and requires that 150 me- ning, management techniques and engaged in an integrated ters of native vegetation cover and environmental education manner in Serra da Bodoquena’s is preserved on both sides of the actions. In this process, we aim aquatic ecosystems protection. rivers in the Serra da Bodoquena to find integrated and consensu- Knowledge and qualified people region. Without this protection, al solutions for resource use that exist. The most notable deficien- during heavy rains, the crystal- balance resource needs with cy is the lack of political will to line rivers turn muddy, setting possible environmental impacts curb the actions of some agri- off alarms among local residents mitigation. Such a consensus is business sectors that are either and conservationists about the essential to prevent impacts and not aware of, or not concerned about, the widespread damage and lasting impacts of their ac- tivities on natural systems. The disturbing attitudes of these COLLABORATIVE “agro” sector retrograde portion, focused mainly on increasing RESEARCH profits, should give way to al- In addition to the coordinators at Anhanguera-Uniderp lowing multiple uses of the land University (University for the State and the Pantanal Region and seek greater coexistence Development), participating researchers in the Fishes of with other society segments. Bonito Project included biologists and specialists from the following universities: São Paulo (USP), Campinas (Unicamp), As a contribution and to pro- São Paulo State (Unesp), Brasília (UnB), Mato Grosso do vide continuity to the dissemi- Sul Federal (UFMS), Santa Catarina Federal (UFSC) and Pará nation of knowledge generated Federal (UFPA), as well as collaborators from the Smithsonian Institution, Georgia State University (both in the USA), McGill over the past 20 years, the Fishes University (Canada) and the Superior Institute for Applied Psy- of Bonito Project has the genuine chology (Portugal). Modern day science is not accomplished intension to make specialists net- alone, but through collaborations. Advances are often more profound through teamwork. For this team, which included works available to local commu- about 50 researchers, it is worth mentioning the significant nities in order to increase knowl- number of theses and dissertations that were produced on edge about regional biodiversity, the Serra da Bodoquena aquatic ecosystems, as well as the wonderful stories and narratives shared with local communi- encourage honest dialogues and ties about the crystalline rivers and their valuable biodiversity. resolve conflicts with the aim of Mato Grosso do Sul state’s mag- nificent environments conserva- tion and sustainable use. importance of protecting these irreversible damage to sensitive unique environments. and unique environments such To find out more about the The natural resources use, as those in the Bonito region. Fishes of Bonito Project, whether for tourism or agricul- There is little point in creat- access the website: www. ture, can generate impacts that ing visitation protocols for mini- peixesdebonito.com.br

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 55 Photo: Matheus Jeremias Frtunato Jeremias Matheus Photo:

56 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 animal health

KEEPING AN EYE ON WILDLIFE

Wildlife must be monitored to ensure the species health and conservation

BY HEITOR MIRAGLIA HERRERA, GRASIELA EDITH OLIVEIRA PORFÍRIO, WANESSA TEIXEIRA GOMES BARRETO E GABRIEL CARVALHO DE MACEDO

The health concept – when refer- sociated with clinical and laboratory ring to wildlife – must be discussed and tests. These individual assessments understood as a system composed by can be performed in the field through elements and relationships capable of physical examination, identifying the enabling the species perpetuation, the presence of possible injuries, fractures, populations maintenance, and diverse fur loss and measuring an animal’s communities’ coexistence in their eco- weight. In addition, physiological pa- systems. However, the term health has rameters such as body temperature, a strong anthropocentric bias, influ- respiratory and heart rates, and capil- enced by the relationship between hu- lary filling time help develop a more mans and their domesticated animals, complete diagnosis. Additional biolog- whether for companionship or produc- ical materials sampling for laboratory tion. For this reason, it is common to ar- tests – whether hematological (blood), bitrarily define well-being, disease and biochemical (metabolism), toxicologi- productivity concepts, either referring cal (toxic substances and poisons) and to individuals or populations. / or parasitological (mites, ticks, lice, As is the case for humans and do- worms, etc.) – contributes to an animal mestic animals, and even wildlife, health’s detailed assessment. individual health assessments are as- There are also indirect alternative

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 57 methods to evaluate wildlife man and logistical resources viruses and fungi) have been health through population associated with the lack of recorded from native mam- monitoring. Reproductive in- roads, communication, elec- mals in the Pantanal biome. dexes over time, for example, tricity and security, and with Despite being considered are a powerful tool for the wildlife populations evalua- tion. But both field and labora- tory analyses must be evaluat- ed together. And care must be Mechi Kamila Photo: taken in clinical evaluations once some parasitized animals may show non-specific symp- toms or no clinical symptoms at all. Attention must be giv- en to the laboratory results interpretation because anal- yses can vary due to age, sex, physical and reproductive condition; environmental fac- tors, such as the time of year and habitat quality; different capture techniques and the use of drugs for sedation and wild animals’ containment. Furthermore, the stress lev- els vary from one individual to another depending on the species, social structure, age and animal capture conditions (e.g., potential stress caused by Photo: Carolina Garcia trapping technique, handling, the challenging terrain for as something negative, par- and humans proximity). All of vehicles due to the Pantanal’s asitism is an important pro- these factors must be consid- environmental characteris- moter of biological diversity ered when interpreting labo- tics. As a result, only a small in wildlife populations. Par- ratory results. fraction of animals (sick or asites interfere in ecological It is worth mentioning dead) with parasites are ex- processes as varied as compe- that there is tremendous dif- amined by specialists. Never- tition, migration and specia- ficulty in conducting studies theless, to date, 248 different tion. They also influence their on wildlife in the Pantanal. parasites (such as arthropods, hosts’ fertility and survival Difficulties range from hu- helminths, protozoa, bacteria, rates. In this sense, parasit-

58 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 ism should not always be con- ous bodily functions balance while they were held in wild- sidered a harmful condition and chemical processes. The life rehabilitation centers, they caused by organisms that sur- severity of these changes de- came into close proximity vive at their host’s health ex- pends on many factors: 1. some with other animals from dif- pense. It is also an ecological related to the parasite itself ferent areas/regions. In addi- phenomenon linked to living (amount of inoculum, differ- tion to the stress of living in things, and as such, must be ent strains with different vir- captivity, such contacts defi- discussed from an evolution- ulence degrees and/or patho- nitely increase the infection ary point of view. genicity and co-infections); 2. risk by new parasites and/ Of course, one cannot for- others related to the host (age, or the multiplication risk of get the parasites’ ability to de- sex, nutritional/immunolog- undetected parasites present bilitate the host physiological ical status, reproductive con- in low numbers in animals conditions and alter the vari- dition and race), and 3. some with subclinical conditions environmental factors (food (without the disease signs scarcity, severe climatic con- and symptoms). Similarly, the ditions, forest fragmentation/ domestic animals introduc- reduction of the native habitat tion – such as dogs and other

Photo: Carolina Garcia Carolina Photo: and global warming). pets from urban areas, or even In the Pantanal basin, cattle, brought from cities and proximity and coexistence other country areas/regions to between wild and domestic Pantanal farms – is concern- animals make it difficult to ing. These animals can intro- identify the source of an in- duce new parasites capable of fection: are domestic animals infecting wild mammals. sources for wild animals? Or In summary, wildlife health vice versa? In reality, this must be conceptualized in discussion is no longer rele- terms of the populations’ resil- vant, as the modern approach ience and sustainability. In this treats the health of all organ- context, the scientific commu- isms (species, people and their nity must work together with Monitoring mammals shared environment) as a unit civil society organizations in in Nhecolândia: blood (One Health approach). order to encourage the pub- collection and physical The main exceptions are lic policies development and examination in coati situations involving wild an- application that promote con- (above), collection of imals’ reintroductions to nat- servation. These actions will the ocelot parasites ural environments. In these ensure the wildlife species, (left) and the ocelot cases, each individual rein- populations and communities head with scabies troduced back to their na- health, and guarantee ecologi- signs (right) tive habitat requires a health cal processes continuity in the assessment. This is because Pantanal.

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 59 landscape Mosaic THE BODOQUENA ENVIRONMENTAL GUARDIANS The diverse ways that herbivorous mammals use the Pantanal and bordering highlands provide conservation tips for dealing with ongoing land- use changes

BY CYNTIA CAVALCANTE SANTOS, FABIO DE OLIVEIRA ROQUE, PIERRE-CYRIL RENAULD E OLIVIER PAYS

60 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 Photo: M. Mamede

THE BODOQUENA ENVIRONMENTAL GUARDIANS

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 61 Of the almost 4,000 terres- lation to the rainfall regime. the marsh deer (Blastocerus trial mammalian herbivores These extinctions also led to dichotomus), and the brocket species on the planet, only 74 their predators’ disappearance, deer (Ozotocerus bezoarticus). species are classified as large including in Brazil. Fossil evi- However, the vast majority are herbivores, including the Bra- dence for this has been found fruit-eating herbivores (frugiv- zilian tapir (Tapirus terrestris), in the Serra da Bodoquena, ores), such as opossums (genus the largest remaining native Mato Grosso do Sul, specifi- Didelphis, especially D. albiven- Neotropical region herbivorous cally in the Gruta do Lago Azul tris), white-lipped and collared mammal. As is the case for the (Blue Lake Cave), where pale- peccaries (Tayassu pecari and tapir, more than half of these ontological studies confirmed Pecari tajacu, respectively), pa- 74 species are listed as en- the giant sloth (Eremotherium cas (Cuniculus paca), agoutis dangered, while the rest of the laurillardi) and the carnivorous (Dasyprocta azarae) and ta- species populations are in de- saber-toothed tiger (Smilodon pirs. There are also herbivores called frugivore-granivores Photo: M. Mamede that mix seeds and grains with a fruits diet, such as many small mammals, including the elegant rice rat (Euryoryzomys

White-bearded peccaries (left) and collared peccaries (side page bottom) are frugivores, while the brocket deer (side page top) is folivorous

cline. Some are iconic species, populator) existence. nitidus) and the white-bellied such as black rhinos (Diceros But, what is an herbivorous oecomys (Oecomys bicolor). bicornis), common hippos mammal? In general, it is an Ecologically speaking, her- (Hippopotamus amphibius) animal adapted (over many bivores participate in several and African elephants (Loxo- generations) to preferentially ecological and biological pro- donta africana). consuming plant material or cesses and impact the ecosys- On the South American parts (flowers, fruits, leaves, tem in numerous ways. For ex- continent, the large herbivores roots and even plant shoots). ample, they are important seed and browsers of the Pleisto- There are herbivorous mam- dispersers. Their turning over cene (Ice Age between 2.58 mals specialized in eating plant materials and soil habit million and 11,700 years ago) leaves (called folivores) such while looking for food creates went extinct approximately as the brazilian rabbit (Sylvila- and physically modifies hab- 5,000 years ago due to chang- gus brasiliensis), the capybara itat structure. Furthermore, es in climate, especially in re- (Hydrochaerus hydrochaeris), they can influence vegetation

62 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 Photo: M. Mamede Photo: Jeffrey Himmelstein

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 63 formations explored by differ- ent species groups that use the same food resources in similar ways (trophic guild structure). The Serra da Bodoquena, located in the Upper Paraguay River Basin highlands, has his- torically been and currently remains a paradise for herbiv- orous mammals! Over many, many years, the variety of hab- itats with their vegetation di- versity has supported numer- ous species, many originating in adjacent biomes, such as the Amazon, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Chaco. Many of these species have adapted to the vegetation types (savanna) Photo: M. Mamede that predominate in the region. To observe the marsh cover. This response is possi- The Serra da Bodoquena is deer helps preserve the bly associated with their diet comprised of a landscape va- Bodoquena landscapes that is dependent on native riety that include agriculture fruits and herbaceous plants. and/or livestock production Other species have adapted areas, and a wide native veg- landscape. better to open areas, mainly etation patches with different This is because these ani- because they have a leaf-based remaining cover. By evaluat- mals have different behaviors diet. This is the case for the ing the herbivorous mammals’ and requirements that deter- capybara, capable of surviving response to this scenarios mine their habitats use. For both in native grasslands and range, full of environmental example, there are species in planted pastures. gradients, it is possible to gain more dependent on native Explaining the different an understanding about how vegetation, such as the white- herbivorous mammals envi- different species occupying lipped peccary, and the red ronmental responses requires the region use available habi- and gray brocket deer (Maza- knowledge about their specific tats. There are at least 23 small, ma americana and Mazama food and habitat preferences medium and large herbivo- gouazoubira, respectively). Al- and their interactions with the rous mammals species living though they also use open ar- landscape, people and other in the region, all responding in eas, these species spend most species. This knowledge is es- unique ways to the forest cov- of their time in areas with a sential for designing different er percentage remaining in the higher percentage of forest strategies and complimentary

64 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 species conservation plans for herbivorous mammals inhab- iting the Serra da Bodoquena. Aspects, such as landscape PHYSIOGRAPHIC scale, and factors, such as land- use configuration (e.g., number REGIONS OF UPPER and arrangement of landscape PARAGUAY elements) and composition

(e.g., percentage of native veg- MT etation cover or agricultural and urban areas), should be considered. Reconciling the often conflicting requirements for conservation and agricultur- al production is the greatest challenge for the Cerrado and Pantanal biomes land-use management. Mato Grosso do Sul is one of the Brazilian states where more than 50% of the native Cerrado vegetation MS has been converted for agricul- ture and other land uses. Con- sidering predictions for agri- cultural expansion in coming years, the Serra da Bodoquena Upper Paraguay Basin Delimitation Brazil Wetlands Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul states limits Pantanal depression region region should be prioritized Highlands Serra da Bodoquena National Park for long-term environmental planning that guarantees the ecological system resilience, vation and restoration actions servation. This will prevent its biodiversity and ecosys- with sustainable agricultural potential human-wildlife tem services. The challenge best practices. In the absence conflicts when, for example, is to implement conservation of natural habitat, herbivo- species like peccaries con- strategies that maximize bio- rous mammals will use mar- sume corn crops. This will also diversity through agricultural ginal habitats. For this reason, guarantee the persistence of practices requiring minimal it is essential to maintain a forest connectivity for wildlife deforestation and promoting landscape mosaic and focus in an environment where na- degraded areas restoration. In on solutions that favor forest tive habitats fragmentation is other words, articulate conser- fragments and corridors con- increasing.

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 65 rediscovery

A HAPPY REDISCO- VERY

A small bird endemic to the Chaco is spotted almost 80 years after its last collection

BY GABRIEL OLIVEIRA DE FREITAS, ALESSANDRO PACHECO NUNES E WALFRIDO MORAES TOMAS Photo: Gabriel Oliveira de Freitas

A small migratory bird has crown. This species is consid- years ago (1859) when a single gone unseen in Brazil for de- ered endemic to the Chaco re- male specimen was collected cades. Roughly 80 years! While gion, and found in subtropical by members of the National researchers were monitoring or tropical dry shrublands – at Museum of Natural History, wildlife in the field, a female lower elevations within the USA. It took eight decades (un- suddenly appeared in front range of 175 to 750 meters – in til April 1944), for researchers of their cameras in Corumbá, Paraguay, Bolivia and Argenti- from the Museum of Zoolo- Mato Grosso do Sul (MS). na. In other words, it inhabits gy at the São Paulo Universi- This rare flycatcher has two ecosystems similar to the Pan- ty (MZ / USP) to collect a few gray /white wing-bars and is tanal in neighboring countries, more specimens. Seventy-six commonly known as the cine- but only flies to Brazil for the years later, a photographic re- reous tyrant (Knipolegus stri- winter, along with other mi- cord of the species was cap- aticeps). The male is indeed gratory birds. tured in May 2020. The new cinereous, primarily ash-gray The cinereous tyrant was photos and the cinereous ty- in color with a red iris, and the first recorded in Brazilian ter- rant record became known to female is brown with a rufous ritory, around Corumbá, 161 other bird watchers, and soon

66 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021 new observations were doc- Today Corumbá is a popu- (Pyrrhura molinae); bolivian rediscovery umented further south in MS lar destination for birdwatch- slaty antshrike (Thamnophilus state (Miranda and Bonito mu- ers. Many species that are dif- sticturus); the white-shouldered nicipalities) and at the Foz do ficult to observe in other parts fire eye (Pyriglena leuconota), Iguaçu (Paraná state). of the country, or are sighted and the blue finch (Porphyro- The Corumbá region is only rarely in Brazil, can easi- spiza caerulescens). This also comprised of a diverse land- ly be spotted in Corumbá. And, includes the newly described scapes gradient influenced by large numbers sightings of collared crescent chest (Mela- different ecoregions in Brazil these species are possible. nopareia bitorquata) that only and neighboring countries. Even though Mato Gros- occurs in the Amolar Mountain Environments range from so do Sul has a huge fauna di- Range (Serra do Amolar) near rivers, wetlands and lakes to versity, some species are only the Bolivian border in Mato

Photo: Gabriel Oliveira de Freitas mountains over 1,000 meters The discreet cinereous Grosso do Sul. high. These landscape charac- tyrant male is almost In the Corumbá region, teristics make this region rich invisible in the middle there are over 400 bird spe- in plant and animal diversity, of the vegetation cies, accounting for 66% of the and habitats. It is an ideal place Pantanal’s birdlife and 61% of for contemplating nature, in- the species occurring in Mato cluding birdwatching, one of found in Corumbá and along Grosso do Sul. With such high the fastest growing hobbies the western border with Boliv- diversity, the region is an im- and a significant tourism at- ia and Paraguay. This is the case portant hotspot for birdwatch- traction worldwide. for the green-cheeked parakeet ing in Brazil.

VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 67                              

                  
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