Issue 05 / no 01 / 2019 / ISSN 2357 - 9056 FINANCED BY MAGAZINE PANTANALTHE EUROPEAN UNION SCIENCE

PECCARY PRESENCE INDICATES HEALTHY FORESTS PG 12

CONTROLLED PARAGUAYAN BURNINGS PANTANAL MANAGEMENT REDUCE PRACTICE FAVORS FIRE PARTICIPATORY CONSERVATION IMPACTS ZONING IN PG 20 PG 36 PG 42 ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 1 COLLABORATION BEYOND BORDERS

New proposals for tax incen- Of course, by living and experi- tives, wildlife management, fire encing the Pantanal reality while control, participatory zoning and taking care of farms, attending to tourism itineraries are of interest tourists, unexpectedly encoun- to all Pantanal residents. Along tering fauna, and fighting fires or with maintaining traditions that the drought and flood extremes, teach and educate, these actions the pantaneiros already hold pre- ease isolation and act as resources cious knowledge about their sur- for indigenous resistance. These roundings. However, the experts are some of the topics covered in technical eye can add another this fifth issue of the Pantanal Sci- kind of knowledge, including in- ence magazine, along with enter- formation about distant locations taining and little-known informa- on the same Pantanal or good tion about white-lipped , initiatives and innovations that discussions about the importance are worth replicating. of determining macrohabitats and Integrating traditional and sci- understanding the infrastructure entific knowledge is important for projects serial impacts that can achieving the intended balance interrupt natural water flow. among different society sectors Since its creation, in 2014, and to turn ideas and ideals into the Pantanal Science magazine reality. Above all, this balance is has been publishing studies and needed to change two major glob- contributions from scientists to al trends that greatly impact na- broaden knowledge about the ture and people: the increase in Pantanal , both for Pan- emissions contributing to climate tanal natives, workers and farm- change and the loss ers (the pantaneiros) and visitors. on the planet. Together and with

2 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 qualified information, every- it, non-partisan, non-govern- and political stability through a one can contribute to reversing mental Brazilian organization. fair transition to a low-impact such worrying global trends by Created in 1996, it operates economy by adding efficiency, doing their part to change their throughout and is part knowledge and technology to daily routines and investing in of the WWF (World Wildlife the natural resources use, and environmental and economic Fund) Network, which is pres- promoting inclusion, greater sustainability for this unique re- ent in over 100 countries. We transparency and social partic- gion that is the Pantanal. work in defense of life, with ipation. As this biome is not only the purpose to change the so- Since 2015, WWF-Brazil has Brazilian and extends across cial and environmental deg- supported the Pantanal Obser- the territories of Bolivia and radation current trajectory. vatory, which today comprises , this magazine edi- Controlling and reversing the 27 civil society organizations tion produced by WWF-Brazil rising emissions trend, for ex- active in the Upper Paraguay presents a collaboration of re- ample, depends on replacing Basin of Bolivia, Brazil searchers, the pantaneiros and the current “business as usu- and Paraguay. For this network indigenous peoples from both al” models. Deforestation, na- members, the Pantanal resourc- countries. All together they tive vegetation conversion to es conservation and sustainable provide traditional knowledge crops, pollution and burning oil use must be a common concern and experiences from the Pan- should be replaced by environ- for society, governments and tanal beyond our borders. For mentally friendly technologies. private initiatives to ensure the example, the wild caiman sus- Also, the habitat and biodiver- biome survival and integrity. tainable economic use carried sity accelerated loss leading to The Pantanal Science mag- out in the San Matías Integrat- mass extinctions needs to be azine also supports this idea, ed Management Natural Area halted and reversed. which is why we include such in Bolivia, with support from Changing these two trends - a diversity of authors and com- WWF-Bolivia. Also, the par- emissions and biodiversity loss munity members in our pages, ticipatory zoning underway - is the WWF-Brazil primary who are united by their willing- in the Paraguayan Pantanal to concern and purpose. For us, the ness to understand the Pantanal plan the Bahía Negra District. Pantanal is a place of the pos- and look for ways towards a Furthermore, from the Para- sible, where tradition and sus- sustainable, diverse and collab- guayan Pantanal, come reports tainable development can align orative future. This is a true col- of the Yshir Chamacoco people to promote these necessary and laboration across borders. who are resisting the Paraguay- urgent changes. We believe in an bureaucracy and defending the possibility of building a MAURÍCIO VOIVODIC their ancestral lands. new development vision, with Executive Director WWF-Brazil is a non-prof- a return to economic prosperity WWF-Brasil

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 3 CONTENTS

SUGGESTIONS, 08 TOURISM CONTRIBUTIONS & QUESTIONS Food Safaris present the Marcos Piovesan [email protected] Pantanal gastronomic culture

CONTACT INFORMATION WWF-Brasil – Programa Pantanal Rua Tabelião Murilo Rolim, 189 12 WHITE-LIPPED PECCARIES Campo Grande, MS – CEP: 79021-400 These forest hippies are environmental Tel: +55 (67) 3025 1112 bioindicators

PRINTING 1.000 copies 20 MANAGEMENT Controlled burning helps fight fires EDITORIAL BOARD

Júlio César Sampaio WWF-Brazil Cerrado Pantanal Program Director 28 DAMS Alexine Keuroghlian Infrastructure works have cumulative Pantanal Science Magazine impacts Founder & General Coordinator Donald P. Eaton Pantanal Science Magazine Manager & Scientific Coordinator Gabriela Yamaguchi 34 COMMUNICATION WWF-Brazil Engagement Director Even with internet, Pantanal Leonardo Duarte Avelino residents still faithfully listen to the radio Pantanal Science Magazine Legal Advisor Liana John Pantanal Science Magazine Executive Editor 36 PARAGUAYAN PANTANAL TECHNICAL BOARD Participatory zoning promises a more Fabio de Oliveira Roque – UFMS sustainable future Andrea Cardoso Araujo – UFMS Cyntia Cavalcante Santos–UFMS Donald P. Eaton – WWF-Brasil Daniela Venturato Giori – Planurb 42 CAIMAN Walfrido M. Tomas – Embrapa Pantanal Economic use encourages conservation Alexine Keuroghlian – Projeto Queixada

EDITORIAL COORDINATORS Alexine Keuroghlian , Donald P. Eaton 48 CULTURE TECHNICAL SUPPORT Mythical creatures teach people Marcos Piovesan to respect nature WWF-Brazil Engagement Analyst

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Liana John (Responsible Journalist MTb 12.092) 54 RESEARCH Macrohabitats favor the COVER PHOTOS Pantanal proper use Queixadas – Ana Luzia Souza Cunha Fogo – Sean Keuroghlian-Eaton Paraguai – Latitud25/WWF Paraguay Jacarés – WWF-Bolívia 60 ECOLOGICAL ICMS For more comprehensive and equitable GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION environmental tax compensation Matheus Fortunato

64 GUARDIANS The Yshir nation is a symbol of resistance in Paraguay

DIGITAL MAGAZINE: ACCESS THE QR CODE

4 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 Photo: Paulo Robson de Souza

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 5 AUTHORS

Alberto Esquivel Álvaro Banducci Júnior Cyntia Cavalcante Santos Sustainable Development - Social Anthropology - do International WWF-Paraguay Sul Federal University Blue Corridor Program/Women in [email protected] [email protected] Action in the Pantanal (MUPAN) Alexandre de Matos Martins Pereira Andrea Garay [email protected] & Fire Geographic Information Systems - Management - Brazilian WWF- Paraguay – [email protected] Danilo Bandini Ribeiro Institute for the Environment Biological Sciences - Mato Grosso do & Renewable Áurea da Silva Garcia Sul Federal University Natural Resources Federal University [email protected] (IBAMA) (UFMS) & Wetlands International Blue [email protected] Corridor Program/Women in Action in Donald Parsons Eaton the Pantanal (MUPAN) Aquatic Ecosystems - WWF-Brasil Alexandre do Nascimento Silva [email protected] [email protected] Biological Sciences - Grande Dourados Federal University Bárbara Ferragini Eliana Paixão [email protected] Environmental Communication - Ecology - Science & Mato Grosso & Mato Grosso do Sul Technology in Wetlands Alexine Keuroghlian Private Areas Network National Institute Ecology, Evolution & Biology for the [email protected] (INCT/INAU), Project Mato Grosso Federal [email protected] Bruno Henrique dos Santos Ferreira [email protected] Ecology & Conservation - Mato Grosso Alfonso Llobet Querejazu do Sul Federal University Erica Cezarine de Arruda Planning, Monitoring [email protected] Wetland Ecology - Science & & Evaluation - WWF-Bolivia Technology in Wetlands [email protected] Cátia Nunes da Cunha National Institute (INCT/INAU), Wetland Ecology - Science & Mato Grosso Federal Aline Alves Lopes Technology in Wetlands University Ecology, Conservation National Institute (INCT/INAU), [email protected] & Wildlife Management – Mato Grosso Federal Federal University University Erich Fischer [email protected]’ [email protected] Biological Sciences - Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University Allison Ishy Cibele Biondo [email protected] Mato Grosso do Sul Mammals Molecular Behavior, Evo- Educational Radio & lution & Ecology - Natural & Human Fabio de Oliveira Roque TV Journalist Luiz Chagas Sciences Center at the ABC Federal Biological Sciences - Mato Grosso do State Foundation University Sul Federal University [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

6 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 Fábio Padilha Bolzan Laércio Machado de Sousa Paulo Robson de Souza Ecology & Conservation - Mato Grosso Administration & Conservation of Ecology & Conservation - Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University Private Lands - Natural Patrimony do Sul Federal University [email protected] Private Reserves National [email protected] Confederation (CNRPPN), Fernanda Prado Santana Shakiham Mato Grosso do Sul Private Pollianna Thomé Biological Sciences - Mato Grosso do Reserves (REPAMS) Tourism - Mato Grosso do Sul Sul Federal University [email protected] Federal University & [email protected] Bravo Expeditions Letícia Couto Garcia [email protected] Franciany Ishikawa da Silva Biological Sciences - Mato Grosso do Biological Sciences - Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University Rafaela Aparecida Mariano Fernandes Sul Federal University [email protected] Biological Sciences - Grande Dourados [email protected] Federal University Liana John [email protected] Geraldo Alves Damasceno Junior Enironmental Communication - Biological Sciences, Botany, Ecology Camirim Editorial Ltda Rafaela Danielli Nicola & Conservation- Mato Grosso do Sul [email protected] Wetlands International Blue Corridor Federal University Program/Women in Action in the [email protected] Lílian Ribeiro Pereira Pantanal (MUPAN) Human Geography - Wetlands Interna- [email protected] Gilberto Pires tional Blue Corridor Program/Women Social Anthropology - Mato Grosso do in Action in the Pantanal (MUPAN) Ramon Luciano Mello Sul Federal University [email protected] Biological Sciences - Mato Grosso do [email protected] Sul Federal University Marcel Caballero [email protected] Ieda Maria Bortolotto Sustainable Production & Protected Biological Sciences - Area Development - Integral Manag- Rudi Ricardo Laps Mato Grosso do Sul mente Natural Area (IMNA) Biological Sciences - Mato Grosso do Federal University [email protected] Sul Federal University [email protected] [email protected] Maria Luisa da Silva Pinto Jorge Julio Francisco Alves Fernandes Biological Sciences - Peccary Project, Sylvia Torrecilha Geography - Wetlands International Vanderbilt University Planning & Managment of Blue Corridor Program/Women in [email protected] Conservation Units - State Action in the Pantanal (MUPAN) Secretary of the Environment, [email protected] Maxwell da Rosa Oliveira Economic Development, Botany - Mato Grosso do Sul Federal Production & Karim Musalem University [email protected] Conservation-WWF Paraguay [email protected] [email protected] Thiago Silva Teles Mónica Bareiro Ecology & Conservation - Mato Grosso Karina Mansilla Communication - Environmental Law do Sul Federal University Communication-WWF Paraguay and Economy Institute [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Wolfgang Johannes Junk Keyciane Lima Pedrosa Patricia Roche Wetland Ecology - Science & Tech- Biological Sciences & Ethnobotany Conservation Project - nology in Wetlands National Institute National Indian Foundation (Funai) WWF-Paraguay (INCT/INAU) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 7 8 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 Photo: Sarah Caires FOOD SAFARIS, MUCH MORE THAN TERERÉ Visitors roll up their sleeves and “invade” the private areas of lodges/hotels areas to experience the Pantanal’s gastronomic culture

BY POLLIANNA THOMÉ

Observe the wildlife diversity, of opportunities to learn about the visit a remote destination and con- Pantanal lifestyle by tapping into au- template the paradisiacal landscape! thentic cultural elements, including These are the main goals of tour- (or above all) during mealtimes. ists from all over Brazil and around Coupled with the cultural tourism the world who visit the Pantanal. sector, offering gastronomic experi- , tapirs, peccaries, giant ant- ences is important nowadays for the eaters, anacondas, giant river otters, competitive scenario of tourist desti- giant armadillos and other famous nations. Such experiences can even South American fauna species are be a determining difference, shifting what attracts such tourists to stay from a complementary attraction to in the hotels and inns in the re- the main draw. gion. But there are other attractions Food is understood as a cultural scheduled during such trips, which habit as it involves human interven- often surprise visitors with a variety tion on nature, modifying it accord-

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 9 ing to human needs, desires can observe and experience ly taken on long drives and abilities. In this context, through this gastronomic ad- in the Pantanal. since 2013, the Food Safaris venture. A cowboy guides Sopa paraguaia, chipa, Initiative has been organiz- visitors on horseback rides, caribéu, macarrão de comiti- ing cultural experience tours leading guests across flooded va and paçoca de carne are in the Pantanal, focused on landscapes and pointing out other dishes served during the pantaneira gastronomy, the animals along the way. At the Food Safaris, all of which which involves much more other times, the same cow- are presented by cooks to ed- than simply tasting or shar- boy guides turn into boat- ucate tourists about the re- ing traditional tereré - a cold, men, fishermen and - gion’s history and border in- mate-based drink that is con- ers, catching piranhas during fluences. sumed inside a gourd using a bombilla. In such travel itineraries, certain activities are offered to get travelers in touch with the local gastronomic production, including culi- nary techniques, ingredient preparation and food pres- ervation. One of the activities is carving a feral pig, a domestic pig breed that escaped from pens during the Paraguay War (1864 - 1870) and became wild (feral) again. During the butchering, the tourist learns from farmhands (cowboys) Photo: Claudia Lunas about the skinning and carv- boat trips and then learning For visitors, interacting ing meat techniques. Then, how to prepare the well- directly with the local pop- in the kitchen, they discover known Piranha Stew. Guides ulation intensely enriches the secrets of seasoning and can also show their cook- their travels. The groups get cooking alternatives. ing skills, teaching rancher to visit the inn headquarters In the pastoral scenery cooking secrets, such as how or food preparation areas, of livestock farms, the ru- to make and use the solea- which are usually not seen ral worker routine (men and da beef (pranchao soleada), a by outsiders. The kitchen, women) includes unique specific round beef cut with food pantry, butcher, vegeta- ways of relating to the en- a fat layer that is cured with ble garden, and fishmonger vironment, which visitors salt and sun, which is typical- are places that the tourists

10 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 Photo: Sarah Caires Photo: Zig Koch

Tourists “occupy” kitchens to prepare cheese (previous page); to learn typical culinary techniques, such as cowhead barbecue (left); and get their hands dirty butchering a feral pig (above).

use intensely, transforming observed, lived, and expe- Tourism Innovation Award the hitherto private areas of rienced, rather than simply from SEBRAE (Brazilian Mi- the reception staff into pub- tasted, by travelers. cro and Small Business Sup- lic spaces. In addition to offering a port Service) in 2017 and this Like other representa- different kind of Pantanal program is already being tives of Brazil’s rustic cul- experience and enhancing replicated in other unique ture, Pantanal workers have the regional culture, this ini- Brazilian cultural destina- developed unique ways to tiative diversifies the activi- tions. Therefore, through this relate with the environment, ties and tours offered by the initiative, the Pantanal is an food, and local cuisine and hotels & inns. Due to this, example of innovation in such cultural heritage can be Food Safaris received the tourism!

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 11 Photo: Julia Oshima 12 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 THE HIPPIES OF THE FOREST Also known as peccaries, canela-ruiva, taiaçu, sabacu: there is no shortage of nicknames for these very social, essentially vegetarian and promiscuous mammals. They are considered bioindicators of healthy ecosystems and, yet, they are still poorly known.

BY ALEXINE KEUROGHLIAN, CIBELE BIONDO, MARIA LUISA S. P. JORGE E DONALD P. EATON

White-lipped peccaries are often widely spread by man on most con- confused with pigs or wild boars. How- tinents and many islands, especially ever, they are neither of those, despite during the Age of Exploration. various similarities in appearance. Forests, savannas and wetlands are They are Tayassuidae: an exclusive the natural environments inhabited by family of even-toed hoofed peccaries; whose distribution extends mammals with only three genera, each from southeastern Mexico to north- with a single species. The scientific ern . They are herbivores, but name for the white-lipped peccary is primarily fruit eaters, and preferential- Tayassu pecari. The other two species ly consume mast native fruiting spe- are the collared peccary (Pecari taja- cies. They are the only ungulates from cu) and the Chacoan peccary (Catago- neotropical forests to form large herds, nus wagneri). Contrarily, pigs and wild with 50 to 300 individuals. Since each boars in the New World are a a swine adult weighs an average of 30 kg, these single-species - Sus scrofa - originat- herds represent the largest forest mam- ing from the , which has been mal biomass in the . The spe-

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 13 cies has a large home range of During these fission events, gland and is seen as a way for ~5,000 hectares (19.3 sq miles) individuals can stay with animals to communicate with for each subherd. their close relatives or travel one another, which keeps the Large white-lipped pecca- with more distant relatives. herd together. ry herds tend to split into sub- For this reason, and recent When analyzing the white herds that then regroup. In the genetic evidence, the 300 or so lipped peccaries mating sys- Pantanal, these sub-herds have individuals in a large herd are tem through paternity tests, an average of 70 individuals, primarily related in one way we found that this species while in the highlands, there or another. This explains why does not follow the same rules are about 50. Such a strategy such a large group is socially as other mammals whose so- is used to probably guarantee cohesive, as they travel, eat and cial structures are frequently food; if 300 individuals were sleep together, all the while dominated by the so-called foraging together in the forest, taking care of each other. Fur- White-lipped peccary there would not be enough fruit thermore, while resting they for all members. are continuously grooming or herds are very cohesive The process of period- rubbing each other, display- and reach up to 300 ic division and regrouping ing what appears as a friendly individuals, all of which are of large herds is called fis- interaction. Both females and related to each other

sion-fusion. In this process, males have a gland on their “alpha” male. In such a struc- there is an exchange of in- dorsal part, near the tail, from ture, stronger or larger males dividuals of both sexes be- which a liquid is emitted. Con- generally try to maintain the tween subherds and herds. stant rubbing stimulates this mating preference or exclu-

14 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 sivity of mating by constant- tem for these peccaries is pro- collared peccary, another ta- ly fighting against other male miscuity. yassuid without sexual dimor- members or those from other The absence of apparent phism that occurs in Brazil. groups (unrelated). For white- sexual dimorphism (i.e. males By observing all these lipped peccaries, all individu- and females present no differ- traits — primarily a vegetari- an diet, a social structure, and sexual freedom — research- ers started referring to these peccaries as the hippies of the forest and Pantanal. Although HABITAT humorous, the well-deserved nickname beholds a warning: BIOINDICATORS the herds home range reduc- tion, due to the negative im- Monitoring peccaries on the Araraúna pacts of human activities, does ranch shows how herds (red dots) not only affect the resources circulate through preserved forests (green areas with yellow boundaries) necessary for these peccaries and do not enter cleared, human to survive, but can also alter altered fields (clear central area with their social structure, which Photo: Cezar Correia no red dots) is fundamental for survival of its populations. An isolated sub-herd that does not regroup with large-herd relatives, will probably not survive for very long. Due to their multiple eco- logical roles, white-lipped pec- caries are important to other native species and to the vari- ous habitats in which they live. They are favorite prey to large felines, as they help to maintain healthy populations, and even reduce attacks on domestic an- imals. They are both seed pred- ators and dispersers, bringing als are entitled to mating and ences in size or appearance) consumed plant seeds to “sow” both males and females have confirms such promiscuous away from parent trees, and offspring with more than one mating system. The same sys- increasing their viability. Ad- partner. Thus, the mating sys- tem was also observed for the ditionally, while foraging, they

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 15 Photo: Julia Oshima

greatly impact the vegetation nation of diseases (associated structure by shifting soil and with rodents) and general im- leaf litter, plowing and rooting, poverishment of mammal and or even by trampling shoots and bird communities in forests. In- seedlings, and such foraging ac- deed, the extinction of any ta- tivities impact the vegetation, yassuidae species from a native wildlife, and water balance. For vegetation area causes unques- this reason, they are considered tionable changes to habitats engineers. and rapid biodiversity losses. Studies show that the ex- In 2010, the International tinction of white-lipped pec- Union for Conservation of Na- caries in an ecosystem causes ture (IUCN), the Chico Mendes a series of negative impacts, Institute for Biodiversity Con- including the loss of their pred- servation (ICMBio) and the of- ators (e.g. and cougar) in ficial adviser to the Ministry mammal to be classified as protected areas; reduced veg- of Environment’s Red List of “Critically Endangered” for etation diversity; changes in Endangered Species evalu- the and “En- resource availability (mainly ated the conservation status dangered” for the Cerrado. For native fruits); increased rodent of white-lipped peccaries in Brazil as a whole, the white- populations ((explosion of re- every Brazilian biome. This lipped peccary is considered to source availability); dissemi- species was the only hooved be threatened with extinction.

16 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 Many species are at risk of deforestation and the loss or the peccaries and consequently, extinction in the Cerrado biome fragmentation of natural habi- overall impoverishment of for- due to habitat fragmentation tats has dramatically changed est plant and wildlife commu- and excessive deforestation. almost one fifth of the Pantanal. nities that depend on them to The various types of savannah The fragmentation caused maintain the forest balance. surrounding the Pantanal also by cattle ranching and crop A fragmented area - like a suffer from deforestation, which plantations includes road con- remnant forest isolated from threatens fauna and flora. In the struction, as well as changes in other natural areas due to man- Pantanal, over 95% of the land native vegetation, which have made infrastructure - is often is privately owned, less than 3% been replaced by exotic grass- too small to support a white- lies within conservation units es and crops. This threatens the lipped peccaries herd, since re- and, on average, between 60% chances that wildlife disperses sources are scarce and habitat and 70% of native vegetation between the Pantanal high- diversity and water sources are cover in the highlands has al- lands and flood basin. As a re- reduced. In addition, the spe- ready been converted into pas- sult, the white-lipped peccaries cies social dynamics are quite ture or agriculture. Deforesta- and their large herds range is unique and isolation resulting tion related threats are caused now more restricted than ever from fragmentation can nega- tively affect the herd dynamic Photo: Alexine Keuroghlian between individuals and herds. Given the important con- nection between the Pan- tanal basin and surrounding Cerrado highlands, in order to preserve the Pantanal, the Cerrado vegetation and the

Peccaries sleep together in the cool (previous page) and avoid the heat in a muddy pool

mainly by conversion of native before. Such isolation prevents complex interactions be- habitats into pastures/agricul- white-lipped individuals dis- tween the two needs ture accompanied by improper persal between herds, impact- to be maintained. How can management practices that ex- ing demographic and genet- this be done? How do we acerbate the impacts of cutting ic variables. Among the most know which measures work? and suppressing native vegeta- serious consequences of such One way is to study a bio- tion. During this same period, changes are local extinctions of indicator, like white-lipped

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 17 peccaries, whose presence from camera traps set in dif- cary, which are present in is a sign of healthy forests. ferent sized forest fragments. remnants of 10 to 1,750 ha, as Because white-lipped pecca- The mapping and modeling well as the red brocket deer ries have diverse resource re- results use fragment metrics, which is found in 110 to 1,750 quirements, use large ranges, such as the area used by the ha forests. and travel in large herds, they animals; connectivity among In addition to being re- strongly impact forest habi- fragments (relative to dis- stricted to relatively large tats, and therefore, are excel- tance and size of fragments forest fragments, the white- lent bioindicators. For this within a 1 km radius); shape lipped peccary is less tolerant reason. conservation efforts (measure of shape complex- of degraded habitats com- aimed at maintaining healthy ity, relative to a square forest pared to the tapir, collared populations of white-lipped fragment of the same area); peccary and agouti. This sup- peccaries also benefit - and stream density (length ports the value of this species al biodiversity. of stream channel per area as a sensitive bioindicator of A project of the WWF-Bra- of forest fragment). All these intact native habitats. zil Critical Ecosystem Part- measurements indicate that To better understand their nership Fund (WWF/CEPF) the white-lipped peccary is movements in the same re- - called Municipal Land Use the species most sensitive to gion, they were also moni- Planning in Rural Municipal- fragment size and vegetation tored via GPS and VHF (ra- ities of the Cerrado - analyzes loss. Their herds simply do dio telemetry) collars. The the characteristics of forest not occur in less than 2,300 study shows how herds and fragments in the Corguinho ha (5,683 acres) fragments in sub-herds use the landscape municipality, Serra de Ma- the highlands, the Southern in agricultural land, the im- racaju, Mato Grosso do Sul Pantanal headwaters. Also, portance of suitable habi- – Pantanal highlands. Re- their needs surpass those of tat, which helps explain the searchers used records of me- other large animals, such as white-lipped peccaries ab- dium to large-sized mammals the tapir and the collard pec- sence in small forest frag-

MAPED SENSITIVITY Tapirs and collard peccaries are more tolerant to degraded environments and frequently cross open Absence areas. Red Brocket deer are more sensitive and only risk Presence Predicted presence crossing from time to time. White-lipped peccaries are Not sampled restricted to preserved forests.

TAPIRS & COLLARD PECCARIES RED BROCKET DEER

18 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 ments. Only rarely do they main routes used by them forest cover and native fruits. risk moving from one isolat- helps decision makers pri- Preservation of these areas, ed fragment into another by oritize and protect areas and which encompass numerous crossing through areas al- corridors that can maintain private farms, has been (and tered by humans. They prefer the gene flow of individu- continues to be) considered to stay in the larger forests als between populations of essential for maintaining the - as this is where they find peccaries and other wildlife biodiversity, ecological con- food - and move between species. nectivity and ecosystem ser- fragments through healthy It is worth noting that vices in the Pantanal. Native forest corridors. when some individuals leave habitat remnants best suited to Most of these corridors a population and settle in maintain white-lipped pecca- follow watercourses, inte- another to reproduce, they ry herds and corridors actively grating the headwaters and promote gene flow between used to increase connectivity springs with the Pantanal. these populations. Such flow between fragments, should be The main environmental maintains genetic diversity priorities for protection during concerns for these import- within the population, which conservation planning. There- ant wildlife corridors are is essential for adapting to en- fore, during site assessments siltation, , ero- vironmental changes and for in the Pantanal or Cerrado ex- sion, and lack of vegetation the long-term persistence of posed to different intensities cover along river and stream populations. of land-use change, the white- banks. In monitoring their In the corridors between lipped peccary populations movement through these fragments that are not used status serves as an excellent pathways, white-lipped pec- by peccaries, ecological resto- indicator of overall ecosys- caries serve as bioindicators ration is proposed to recover tem health and consequently of healthy corridors and for- and reconnect forest remnants white-lipped peccaries should est fragments. Identifying to benefit peccaries and other be considered an umbrella spe- the main habitat types and species that are dependent on cies regarding conservation.

Absence Presence Absence Predicted presence Presence Not sampled Not sampled

RED BROCKET DEER WHITE-LIPPED PECCARIES

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 19 KEEPING FIRE ON A SHORT LEASH

Photo: Silvio Xavier

The Pantanal is both dependent and disturbed by wildfires. Therefore, focused research and controlled burnings are vital for all: flora, fauna & people

BY DANILO BANDINI RIBEIRO, ALEXANDRE DE MATOS MARTINS PEREIRA, GILBERTO PIRES, RUDI RICARDO LAPS, FABIO DE OLIVEIRA ROQUE, RAMON LUCIANO MELLO, PAULO ROBSON DE SOUZA, GERALDO ALVES DAMASCENO JUNIOR, IEDA MARIA BORTOLOTTO, ERICH FISCHER, LETÍCIA COUTO GARCIA, BRUNO HENRIQUE DOS SANTOS FERREIRA, FÁBIO PADILHA BOLZAN, ALINE ALVES LOPES, MAXWELL DA ROSA Three Brazilian biomes are the dry and flood seasons ge- OLIVEIRA, CYNTIA CAVALCANTE fire dependent: Cerrado, Pam- nerate important contrasts re- SANTOS, ÁUREA DA SILVA GARCIA, RAFAELA DANIELLI pa and Pantanal. They are bio- garding ecological and vege- NICOLA, JULIO FRANCISCO mes with well-marked rain tation factors. The region has ALVES FERNANDES, LÍLIAN RIBEIRO PEREIRA, FERNANDA and drought seasons, whose an increasing east-west rain- PRADO SANTANA SHAKIHAMA, ALLISON ISHY, THIAGO SILVA evolutionary history has seen fall deficit. Thus, in the higher TELES, FRANCIANY ISHIKAWA fire as a disturbing and some- portions of the Upper Para- DA SILVA, KEYCIANE LIMA PEDROSA, SYLVIA TORRECILHA, times inducing agent for eco- guay Basin, rainfall can rea- RAFAELA APARECIDA MARIANO logical processes. ch over 1,500 millimeters per FERNANDES E ALEXANDRE DO NASCIMENTO SILVA In the Pantanal floodplain, year, while in Corumbá the

20 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 average annual rainfall falls River basins. At the other ex- pasture by wildlife and cattle. between 800-1,100 mm. The treme, floods are completely During the dry season, fire region is extremely flat, with out of sync with the rainy events are frequent but more slopes ranging from 30 to 50 season, as occurs in the Para- localized compared to other centimeters per kilometer in guay River plain, where water savannas throughout the an east-west direction, and rises three months after the world. Natural fires are initia- even less (only 3 to 5 cm / km) rainfall ends. ted by lightning that strikes in a north-south direction. Therefore, the Pantanal and ignites them. Generally, Thus, even with low rainfall fits into the flood pulse con- these fires are put out by the compared to Central Brazil, cept, that is, its wetlands are rain that follows soon after the lightning strikes, only burning available combusti- ble materials, such as leaves, branches, stumps that are al- ready dead and dry. Various plants and animals have evolved in such scenario and present characteristics of resistance and resilience to the fire, creating defense mechanisms - and even phy- siological processes. Howe- ver, there are also vegetation formations in this region that are especially sensitive to fire, such as riparian forests. If bur- ned, some of their species die easily, including “jenipapo” (Genipa americana), “iporuru” (Alchornea castaneifolia) and the Pantanal plain is subject subject to flood and drought “tucum” (Bactris glaucescens), to flooding, mainly due to the stress. Its vegetation is rich in among others. In seasonal difficulty of surface runoff of herbacious plants and shrub forests, it is common to see river waters. Depending on species, found mainly in the thick-bark trees that can wi- the combination of headwa- most frequently flooded are- thstand fire and sprout, such ter distance from the river as. These form floodplains as “saraguaí” (Rhamnidium and the plain slope, flooding associated with sparse trees elaeocarpum). Furthermore, can be relatively synchronous (savannah physiognomies) some species’ roots start bu- with rainfall. This is the case or even campos limpos (open dding, that is, they can gene- for the Cuiabá and Miranda ), which are used as rate new plants after the fire,

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 21 including “quixabeira” (Side- land-use changes, fire mana- roxylon obtusifolium) and the gement methods were used majestic “jatoba” (Hymenaea that changed the natural fire courbaril). Other undergrow- regime. In some environ- th or herbacious species tend ments, fires have been ex- to increase with frequent fire cluded or events have been events. This is the case for the fought and reduced. In other “caraguatá-do-mato” (Brome- environments, both the fre- lia balansae) and a type of quency and number of events Malva (Croton sarcopetaloi- with intentional burns have des). In areas that are directly increased. influenced by the Cerrado, In the Pantanal, the deli- several tree species that also berate use of fire stems from

enter the Pantanal are fire re- the need to promote the na- grass (Elionurus muticus) is sistant, either with thick bark tive pasture regrowth for ex- a dominant grass species, is or subterranean regrowth tensive livestock production. also frequently burned. This system after fires such as “li- This technique is widely species secretes essential xeira” (Curatella americana), used in with large oils, which in turn makes “muxiba-do-cerrado” (Ery- organic matter accumula- it burn quickly. Generally, throxylum suberosum), “pau- tion and a lack of nutrients this grass is unpalatable to -terra” (Qualea grandiflora) (dystrophic), where there are cattle but can be eaten after and “pau-marfim” (Agonan- grasses such as Andropogon, burning. Other repeatedly dra brasiliensis). with excess cellulose (scle- ignited formations are para- With the arrival of hu- romorphic). The caronal for- tudais, with trees known as mans and the consequent mations, where the carona “paratudo” (Tabebuia aurea),

22 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 Fire management decreases combustible material and reduces fire intensity in the dry

Photos: Silvio Xavier season and carandazais, where ca- Research (Inpe). With this critical months for the Panta- randa palm trees (Copernicia information, it is possible to nal biome are the driest ones, alba) form clusters. detect the fire occurrence in with September having the In order to accelerate any Pantanal region, almost largest number of outbreaks, the burning process, which in real time. It can also de- followed by August and Oc- saves time and money, the termine which periods and tober, respectively. A pattern most intense fires are set du- regions are most critical, outlined in the follow-up ring the region’s driest mon- as well as identify burning years seems to be the occur- ths: August and September. patterns. Such data sets and rence of a significant incre- The most common conse- studies are great for plan- ase in the number of fire ou- quence of such management ning prevention, proper ma- tbreaks in years after those is that fires get out of control nagement and firefighting. with low fire indices. Such and reach larger areas, whi- The monitoring histo- patterns could be explained ch propagates high intensi- ric data shows a downward by the low consumption of ty fires that can potentially trend in heat point records unburned biomass by herbi- burn all biomass, including throughout the past few ye- vores, which accumulates as living biomass. These fires ars. In 2002 and 2005, the combustible material for the can even reach forested are- highest heat point rates were following year. Thus, the fire as such as cordilheiras and recorded: 12,486 and 12,536, spreads more and lasts longer, capões. Satellite and fire mo- respectively. For comparison fueling the intense fire occur- nitoring have been carried purposes, 2018 ended with rence. The regional and global out since 1998 in the Panta- 1,691 fire points and 2014 climate variation influences - nal, based on the heat points with 1,568 points; the two drier or wetter years, warmer data obtained from the Na- lowest rates in this histori- or milder winters, El Niño or tional Institute for Space cal series. Of course, the most La Niña - and the variation in

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 23 peak and flood duration in the ned, equipped and hired to act intensity fires to consume Pantanal should also be con- for six months, during the hi- only dry/dead biomass. This sidered. ghest fire period from June to creates landscape mosaics of Based on this data, some December. They are respon- burnt and unburned areas, fa- public policies were created sible for fire prevention to fire voring the cycles of plant and to regulate the fire use in combat. animal species that depend the Pantanal. The main one Prevention actions focus on the presence of fire, which being the Joint Resolution on educational campaigns for is why this ecological distur- Semac-Ibama /MS, whi- schools and orientation about bance cannot be eliminated ch prohibits using fire for when and how to use fire as completely. This “mosaic” en- controlled burns from Au- an agropastoral management vironment favors the reduc- gust 1st to October 31st in the Pantanal biome of Mato Grosso do Sul state. The pur- pose of the ban is to reduce the negative fire effects on ecosystems and human he- alth. As shown above, this is the period when flames are most likely to spread and, even after the law prohibi- ting fires during this period, hot spots are still registe- red. In a survey conducted in 2010 during the period in which fire was prohibited for agricultural management, tool for small and large far- From the Kadiwéu’s an average of 5,000 hectares mers. At the peak of the dry sampling (above), trees was burned per day in Co- season, brigades move by land from the Cerrado- rumbá/MS alone! and/or water to reach remote Pantanal transition that Conflictingly, in order to areas and fight fires. evolved with fire and are effectively implement fire The brigades are also res- resilient (right). management policies in the ponsible for managing com- Pantanal, the Brigades for Fo- bustible materials through tion of large fires during the rest Fire Prevention and Figh- predetermined burns. The drought peak and facilitates ting are fundamental. They main objective of such me- fire control. Burning prescri- are composed of residents asures is to reduce the straw, bed as a management tool is from the region and by indi- grass, leaves and branches still incipient in the Pantanal, genous people in indigenous load when it is not the criti- but was effectively applied in lands. These people are trai- cal fire period, allowing low 2017, with the Kadiwéu Indi-

24 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 genous Land being the lar- essential for creating new po- programs, the Noleedi Pro- gest laboratory. licies that regulate fire use in ject was created, whose In summary, some of the order to manage and conserve name means fire in the Ka- factors that cause large fires the environment. diwéu language. The project in the Pantanal are climate Since 2009, different In- evaluates the fire effects on variations, the peak and du- tegrated Fire Management the biota (all living things ration of floods, the availabi- Programs have been imple- in a region) in the Pantanal lity of combustible materials mented in Cerrado Conser- of Mato Grosso do Sul and how it interacts under diffe- rent flooding regimes. Seve- ral related national and sta- te institutions participate in this project, integrating three biodiversity postgraduate programs: Ecology and Con- servation, Animal Biology and Botany, from the Mato Grosso do Sul Federal Uni- versity (UFMS):. The objective is to collect data about the fire and floo- ding effects on biodiversi- ty to establish a protocol on controlled burning practices. This is a demand from both Photos: Fernanda Prado the Brazilian Institute of the and ignition (by lightning or vation Units, which provided Environment and Renewab- people). Of these, only com- important contributions for le Natural Resources Natio- bustible materials can be ma- generating knowledge and nal Center for Prevention and naged, which must be done public policies. However, in Combat of Forest Fires (Prefo- correctly. Inadequate fire use a country with continental go / Ibama), which operates in - that is, in times of extreme proportions, such as Brazil, the region, as well as from the drought combined with short, local research is necessary, indigenous populations in the frequent and limited floods especially when considering Kadiwéu Indigenous Land. - can greatly damage the en- areas subject to fire interac- However, the results may ex- tire Pantanal biome conser- tions with different flood re- trapolate the study areas, ser- vation. Knowledge about the gimes and indigenous lands, ving as a basis for other Pan- interaction between flooding, as observed in the Pantanal of tanal regions, as well as other production and biomass ac- Mato Grosso do Sul. continental wetlands in Bra- cumulation (fuel for fires) is To complement these zil and throughout the world.

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 25 THE PROTOCOL »» Evaluating fire manage- species used by the indige- WILL BE CREATED ment as a passive restora- nous community. COLLABORATIVELY tion strategy that favors THROUGH A natural regeneration and se- The integration and mana- WORKSHOP WITH lects for species with poten- gement of data obtained by the ALL PARTICIPATING tial to help restore ecosys- Noleedi Project will provide more PARTIES. THUS, THE tems subject to fire and information about disturbance PROJECT PLANS TO flooding, ensuring resources agents (fire and floods), as well as STRENGTHEN PUBLIC MANAGEMENT OF FIRE BY:

»» Generating data about the fire effects on biota, accor- ding to demands from the parties that are already in- volved in fire fighting and prevention (Ibama, indige- nous populations);

»» Verifying the interaction between different flood pat- terns and fire effects on cer- tain biota groups in a Cer- rado to Pantanal transition Photos: Fernanda Prado area in Mato Grosso do Sul; that maintain wildlife and their interactions at a local scale. »» Cooperatively creating a fire the successful recruitment This will therefore help determi- management protocol and of new individuals; ne the best times to apply prescri- a fire impact assessment bed burns and establish an inte- protocol with state officials, »» Predicting the effects of di- grated fire management protocol traditional populations and fferent fire regimes on the for areas that are naturally sub- biota researchers; reproduction of key flora jected to burning and flooding.

26 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 Danilo Ribeiro coordinates the species survey that are fire protected by thick bark (left) or by their ability to sprout when burned (right)

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 27 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

Infrastructure constructions are important for the regional economy, but should be evaluated as a whole, as they can irreversibly change the Pantanal

BY LIANA JOHN Photo: Alcides Faria Photo:

28 PANTANALPantanal Science SCIENCEISSUEISSUE 05 | 05 2019 | 2019 Reservoirs, dams, hydro- the living conditions for the im- tial to amplify, alter or prevent electric dams, underground wa- mense and rich biodiversity. the natural flood pulses fluc- ter pipelines, power lines, roads, Of course, infrastructure tuations, such impacts do not bridges, ports, waterways, rail- constructions are necessary, “only” affect the various nat- ways, and mines all have pos- and yes, the water flow in this ural environments and their itive and negative, predictable wetland varies naturally, ben- inhabitants or visitors, but also or inevitable impacts on an efiting some species while affect economic activities. environment. Regarding the stressing others. However, “We have always empha- Pantanal biome, such impacts these impacts vary depending sized the importance of water mainly affect water flow, which on the type of construction for biodiversity, but we must is vital to keep all ecosystems and how it is evaluated and also highlight how essential functioning and to maintain performed. With the poten- water is for the Pantanal econo-

ISSUEISSUE 05 | 05 2019 | 2019PANTANALPantanal SCIENCE Science 29 my,” observes Júlio Sampaio da Silva, from WWF-Brazil’s Cer- rado-Pantanal Program. “The Pantanal is a wetland with a dynamic that is different from other biomes. Economic agents need to consider this difference: Cerrado or Amazonia dynamics do not work in the Pantanal”. According to the Pantanal Observatory strategic plan- ning for the 2019-2021 period, the most controversial and po- tentially most impacting ini- tiative is the Parana-Paraguay Waterway, which has been un- der discussion since the 1990s. The has 2,793 navigable kilometers (1735 mi), of which 1,272 km (791 mi) al- ready transport large cargo in Brazil, with another 58 km on the Bolivian border and 322 Photo: Marcos Piovesan km (200 mi) on the Paraguay Waterway transport is as (greatly) reduce the range of border, totaling 1,652 km (1026 cheaper and more efficient than natural flooding. mi) between Cáceres, Mato road transport, and is more ad- If the riverbed was low- Grosso, and Nueva Palmira, in vantageous for transporting ered by 10 meters (33 ft) there Uruguay. According to the Na- , rice, maize, timber, ce- would be 1,430 to 2,410 km2 tional Department of Transport ment, and iron and manganese (930 sq mi) less flooded areas in (DNIT), there are already 140 ore derivatives. Boat train sizes the Pantanal, and if deepened meter long by 24 meter (131 ft and year-round navigability are by 25 meters (82 ft) this num- x 79 ft) wide boat trains with major issues. In order to oper- ber would range from 3,830 maximum capacity of 500 tons ate with greater load capaci- to 5,790 km2 (2,235 sq mi), ac- that pass through the Pantanal ty - and to continue to be used cording to a study published in between Cáceres and Corumbá during the dry season - the Par- 1999 by Stephen K. Hamilton, a (MS), and 290 m x 48 m (951 ft aguay River would need to be specialist in Ecosystem Ecolo- x 157 ft) boat trains with a max- rectified in some sections and gy at Michigan State Universi- imum capacity of 24 thousand have its riverbed lowered. This ty. The difference between the tons that pass between Corum- would (greatly) increase river two measurements reflects the bá and the Paraguay border. speed and bank erosion, as well drought and the flood peaks

30 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 and the flood duration would The Paraná- Paraguay also be seriously shortened. waterway impacts the These impacts would be ex- flood peaks (previous tensive and irreversible. Such page). Hydroelectric magnitude changes in the flood dams, as Manso (left), pulse would produce multiple and highways, such ecological consequences, lead- as BR-262 (this page) ing to the degradation of all affect wildlife. Pantanal ecosystems. The river

Photos: Walfrido Tomás channelization was suspend- to 30 MW, are built on is undertaken by enterprise, the ed due to the lack of technical with 500 m (1,640 ft) altitudes, small dams consequences are feasibility and environmental have small reservoirs (13 km2 regional. As is well known, the impact studies. The waterway (5 sq mi), employ local labor Pantanal rivers, lakes, oxbow today operates without major and do not require large power lakes, ponds, flooded grass- changes in the Paraguayan riv- lines. However, in a biome such lands, floodplains, soda lakes erbed. However, such discus- as the Pantanal, the river frag- and floodplain channels, are all sion arises whenever the river’s mentation possibility is high, somehow linked and function load capacity decreases with turning the water flow into an together. Therefore, the PHCs the water fluctuations, there- obstacle course, especially for impacts are synergistic and fore, it is necessary to monitor spawning fish. cumulative in the biome and possible plans resumption. In the Brazilian portion of should be analyzed as such. With much smaller but the Upper Paraguay River Ba- Similarly, roads and rail- more numerous impacts per sin, 52 PHCs have already been ways are evaluated and built unit, Small Hydroelectric Cen- installed and more than 90 one by one but produce com- ters or PHCs are another major are being planned for years to bined effects. Both types of concern in the Pantanal. Con- come. Although environmental infrastructure are essential for sidered clean electricity sourc- impact assessment is done in- the livestock and other prod- es, they generate from 5 MW dividually and (state) licensing uct transportation. Addition-

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 31 ally, the highways are critical imals do not understand such become animal traps if they for tourist traffic, which is now risk, and many drivers don’t (those animals) get onto the vital for the Pantanal economy. either, despite the signs and highway. And during peak flood- Solutions to avoid disturbing warnings. Even worse is that ing, the bridges are flooded un- watercourses exist and have some initiatives run counter to der the roads, so animals tend to been adopted on some roads, all logic and ignore technical go over them”, explains Walfrido such as BR-262, which is built on embankments between Co- rumbá and Ladário (MS), with several passages and bridges to ensure water flow underneath. However, walkways and bridges make roads and rail- ways more expensive to design and maintain. Judging by most of these infrastructures state, Photos: Marcos Piovesan there are not enough resources for more expensive construc- tions, as half of all federal and state roads in the Upper Para- guay Basin (54%) are not even paved, according to the Pan- tanal Observatory. In fact, many Pantanal back roads remain underwater during floods, making routes to farms and inns even longer. Drivers often exchange infor- mation with each other when- ever they cross paths, whether coming or going. At the flood peak, there are many places that are only accessible by plane and recommendations to reduce Tomás, from Embrapa Pantanal. others that simply remain iso- roadkill. Instead of building Deer, tapirs, , collared lated. wildlife passages and installing peccaries, and white-lipped pec- For wildlife, roadways are speed reducers, those responsi- caries can break the fence and oftentimes a way to avoid fenc- ble for BR-262 decided to install become trapped on the road. es that divide the landscape, long fences on both sides, near This already happens without however, it puts them at high the Paraguay river bridge! the fence, simply with the met- risk of being runover. The an- “Fences are barriers and can al barriers (guard rails). “Recent-

32 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 ly, a 150-kg female nected ecosystems. A planta- couraged by the Bergier team, came onto the road by jumping tion embankment or drainage, a especially within Pantanal bor- over the 1.50 m (4.9 ft) fence and, reservoir, or a managed pasture ders. startled by the vehicles, could all need attention and care. And Concerns about the mag- not jump back. She ended up be- that includes the Cerrado at the nitude of cumulative impacts ing run over”, says Tomás. Long edge of the Pantanal. of different constructions and fences act as even worse traps. Researcher Ivan Bergier the need to see the entire bi- Within Pantanal farms, several from Embrapa Pantanal, warns ome as complex interactions constructions promote signifi- about the improper land use has led the Pantanal Observa- cant alterations, even when they impacts in the current climate tory to engage in awareness are small or in restricted areas. change context. “Many pro- projects with public agencies Again, the issue lies in the Pan- ducers fail to make land con- and private companies, includ- tanal context and the general tours and erosion is increasing ing banks that finance these water flow. No one is isolated, in the plateau, with sediment large constructions. WWF is as all are part of the intercon- being carried to the Pantanal,” committed to ensure the pub- he says. “The biggest problem is lic infrastructure expansion in livestock: the rains are already the Upper Paraguay Basin area more frequent and more intense with quality, providing sustain- as a climate change result, and able development, including cattle trails open gullies. The cases provided for privatization forest cover removal increases contracts, under the Investment even more the water flow down Partnership Program (PPI), to the plain with enough energy through concessions and Pub- to break into avulsions (break- lic-Private Partnerships (PPPs). ing marginal dikes, changing The goal is to provide sus- the river direction, as in the tainable development, but not Taquari River)”. only to the Brazilian side. The With climate change, more Pantanal Observatory strategic and more extreme events are planning for 2019-2021 also expected to occur. In the Pan- analyzed licensing systems and tanal, floods and droughts tend constructions in Bolivia and to become even more pro- Paraguay, since cumulative im- Without contour nounced. In order to avoid con- pacts ignore boundaries, as well ploughing, cattle trails tributions from agriculture to as biodiversity and water flow. (bottom left) mark such scenario, it is essential to Together and attentively, all the plateau edges and stimulate sustainable practices, Pantanal residents can improve make way for erosion, such as Integrated Crop-Live- the infrastructure that serves changing river courses in stock-Forest Systems (ILPF), them, with more socio-envi- which is already practiced in ronmental safeguards and few- the floodplain (top left) other Brazilian regions and en- er unforeseen impacts.

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 33 ON THE RADIO WAVES From information to entertainment, Pantanal residents want to keep the company of presenters, broadcasters and guitar players close by

BY BÁRBARA FERRAGINI E LAÉRCIO MACHADO DE SOUSA Photo: Liana John

Almost one-hundred years - the simple battery-powered parts we didn’t have electricity. old, the radio is still a means of transistor box remains widely That was about 25 years ago, communication and counter- used by Pantanal residents to but the radio is still used this point to isolation in the world’s this day. way, depending on the region”, largest wetland. An important José Erinaldo da Silva, bet- he explains. In addition, to en- Pantanal’s history and culture ter known as Nardo, has de- sure that important messages icon, radio was for a long time voted his entire life to work arrived, radio was oftentimes almost the only information in the countryside and knows their only contact with reality. source for people who lived in the rich biome intimately. Ac- “It was always nearby, because remote areas, along with di- cording to him, to communi- it picked up a signal anywhere. rect communication between cate in isolated regions such When I went to milk the cows residents via PX amateur ra- as the Abobral it was - and still in the corral, I took the oppor- dio. Despite the new infor- is - essential to have a radio. tunity to listen to the weather mation and communication “The bosses sent messages to report and what was happen- technologies advent - such as us employees through the ra- ing in the world”, he says. the cell phone and the internet dio stations, because in many His wife, Telma, is also very

34 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 fond of the old device. As she always been hospitalized or is already return- accompanies her husband while work- ing home; a son communicates where ing in the Pantanal, she says she does he is and how long he will be away; a not drop the old habit, even for a min- boatman informs how long his boat en- ute. “I get up early, already listening to gine repair will last; a teacher tells stu- the radio, and it stays on all day while I dents if any class have been suspend- work. I love to hear the news from the ed; a boss tells the farmhand where the region and the big city, the songs and bulls were seen; a single man appeals also the horoscopes”, she confesses. to the nearby bachelorettes, confirming Although it is easy to acquire new serious intentions to marry, and so on. communication devices nowadays, Access to information is a fun- Nardo has not given up the good old damental human right and radio has radio, whether it be to distract or to made it accessible due to its low costs inform himself. “I returned to live in and the creation of programs that are the city, I have cell phones and televi- truly adapted to the different Brazilian sion for practical reasons, but I really regions unique realities. trust the radio. It’s safer, right? It picks up everywhere, just needs a battery” he says, without taking his hands off the device. In the Pantanal, the first regional radio station Democratic, versatile, and popular, was created in 1930, at the same time as the radio was born with the promise of famous Tupi and Record in .The disseminating real-time information old PRI-7, now called Difusora Pantanal, was practically one of the only stations to trans- and shortening geographical distanc- mit information to isolated locations. It was es through clear, colloquial language. through this station that the entire Pantanal As radios do not require any skill level communicated and still communicates, albeit to a lesser extent. In 2016, it migrated from to use, people of all ages, social class- AM (Amplitude Modulated) to FM (Modulated es and education can hear news about Frequency), improving transmission quality. The the weather, politics, economy, as well broadcast can also be accessed on the internet at www.difusorapantanal.com.br. as be entertained by live broadcastings of soccer games, music and educational programs, radio soap operas, among others. RESILIENT In isolated regions, such as the Pantanal and PIONEER the Amazon, broadcasters maintain message programs with large audiences. During such programs, a family learns if their grandfather who went to town to treat an illness has

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 35 THE DOOR TO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE In the remote and poorly known Paraguayan Pantanal portion, participatory zoning promises to meet social, economic and biodiversity conservation needs

BY ALBERTO ESQUIVEL, ANDREA GARAY, KARINA MANSILLA, PATRICIA ROCHE E KARIM MUSALEM

36 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 Photo: Andrea Garay Andrea Photo:

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 37 Paraguay is a relatively ered the largest tropical wet- in indigenous territories. small country compared to its land on the planet, there is Exact biome delimitation bordering neighbors but is big no consensus about its actual is difficult to measure due to in biodiversity richness terms. size. Depending on the source, the high heterogeneity of the Contained within its 406,752 the numbers are extremely di- Pantanal landscape. There are km2 (157,048 sq mi) territory vergent, ranging from 180,000 several mixed ecosystems, there are globally important (69, 498 sq mi) to 340,000 km2 including forests with various ecoregions such as Atlantic (131,274 sq mi)! sizes and plant compositions, Forest, Cerrado, and In any case, there are Pan- wet and dry savannas, natu- Pantanal, which shelter a high tanal official sizes in each of ral pastures with and with- fauna and flora diversity. the three countries where the out palm groves, lakes, soda However, the Paraguayan biome extends. According to lakes, flooded grasslands, wa- Pantanal portion is almost un- the Geography and Statis- ter bodies of all sizes, areas of sediment deposition, areas Photo: Lucas Mongelos/WWF-Paraguay influenced by floods (with annual variations in flooded area) and so on. In Paraguay, the region west

Situated on the Paraguay River banks (right), Bahía Negra (left) has had a Pilot Plan for Urban & Territorial Planning since 2017

known to the country’s popu- tics Brazilian Institute (IBGE), of the Paraguay River is known lation and its borders still gen- the Brazilian portion size is as the Chaco, which is techni- erate debate. Regional maps, 150,355 km2 (58,052 sq mi). cally the ecoregions union of for example, tend to show the In Bolivia, the non-govern- the Dry Chaco, Wet Chaco, Cer- Pantanal southernmost part mental entities group known rado, Médanos (alluvial dune as a small section with a few as the Pantanal Observatory systems) and the Pantanal it- kilometers that shyly enters mentions 31,898 km2 (12,315 self. Such variety explains the Paraguay, while national offi- sq mi). Additionally, accord- immense biological richness cial maps present the biome ing to government data, the within this relatively small re- as a much larger area, extend- Paraguayan portion is about gion; the Paraguayan Pantanal ing to the west of the country. 42,000 km2 (16,216 sq mi), alone holds over 60% of bird In fact, such controversy with only 16% of the total sur- species records for the country. includes the entire Pantanal: face being protected; 3.8% in This area also contains some of although the biome is consid- conservation units and 12.2% the most well-preserved habi-

38 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 Photo: Fabianus Flierveot /WWF Paraguay Fabianus Photo:

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 39 Photo: Fabianus Flierveot /WWF Paraguay tats, essential for many terres- nomic activity is cattle ranch- The district includes protect- trial mammal species, some of ing. Native pastures are used ed areas and indigenous com- which are endangered. Among in rotating schemes – grass- munities of over one million these species is the largest es are adapted to rest, flood- hectares (2,471,054 ac), that feline, the jaguar (Panthera ing and drought - to survive conserve Chaco, Cerrado and onca), whose home range is the difficult times of the year. Pantanal priority ecosystems. very large. Each individual This is an example of eco- In addition, local fisheries hold adult jaguar needs an average system-based management one of the highest national territory of 237 km2 (91 sq mi), in which production depends productivity rates. The district which is larger than the Bue- on the conditions imposed by is one of the least populated nos Aires city in Argentina. nature, with minimal changes. (less than 5,000 inhabitants) The riches and conse- But there is room for territorial and most remote (located 800 quences of the Pantanal’s flood planning, including its chal- km (497mi) from the capital, pulses shape the production, lenges and opportunities. Asunción) in the country. Ac- roads and even the pace of In 2005, the Paraguayan cess by land is very limited, life of its population. In these government created the Bahía especially in the rainy sea- floodplains, dominated by sa- Negra district, containing 9% son, which is why the region vannas, mounds and palm of the country’s surface area is highly dependent on river groves, the traditional eco- (35,057 km2 or 13,535 sq mi). transportation.

40 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 Since 2017, Bahía Negra has been part of an Urban and Territorial Ordinance Plan pi- lot project based on technical support for zoning and a vi- sion for the territory future. This was developed accord- ing to an Organic Municipal Law promulgated in 2010, whose normative framework represents an opportunity for Photos: Latitud25-WWF districts to start effectively planning their territories, re- garding the inhabitants needs. The process is character- ized by its participatory ap- proach, coordinated through a Multi-Stakeholder Roundtable comprised of 18 institutions, including governmental, lo- cal and national sectors, the productive sector, indigenous communities, civil society or- ganizations and academia. The main objective is to ensure the The natural richness the decision-making process. territory development by meet- (left) and flood pulse Fortunately, such information ing its social, economic and bio- of the Pantanal (top) is being generated! diversity conservation needs. control the productivity By the end of 2019, the Access to information is and the populations’ Multi-Stakeholder Round- a limiting factor in Paraguay, table will finalize the Bahía rhythm of life (above) especially in the district that Negra Ordinance Plan. Im- is farthest away from the cap- plementing this plan is the ital, where 26% of rural and information to better under- main challenge for the fu- urban properties have not stand the water dynamics, so- ture. If successful, this terri- even been registered by the cioeconomic and topographic torial planning will ensure National Register Service. characteristics, the biological sustainable development and Thus, it is truly challenging importance zones and inte- life quality for the country’s to provide technical and sci- grated indigenous territories second largest district: the entific studies about the Pan- anthropological studies are gateway to the Paraguayan tanal. Therefore, generating indispensable for supporting Pantanal.

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 41 WHEN MANAGEMENT LEADS TO CONSERVATION Wild caiman sustainable economic use in the San Matías Integrated Management Natural Area helps control illegal poaching, maintain a healthy ‘lizard’ population and conserve the Bolivian Pantanal ecosystem

POR ALFONSO LLOBET E MARCEL CABALLERO

Just like the abundant cai- the Bolivian Pantanal, adult tainable alternative for many mans of the Brazilian Pan- male caimans from the wild indigenous communities and tanal, these reptiles are also population in the San Matías local ranchers and also con- the Caiman yacare species. Integrated Management Nat- tributes to the wetland con- However, in Bolivia they are ural Area (IMNA), located in servation. traditionally called ‘lizards’. Santa Cruz, are used for eco- Created in 1997 to con- This is not the only difference nomic purposes. Controlled serve fauna and forests, the between the two countries: in hunting has become a sus- San Matias IMNA contains

42 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 almost 3 million hectares The category “Integrated (2,918,500 ha – 7,211,770 Management Natural Area” ac) and is the largest pro- was chosen to match the bio- Only 180 cm long males tected area in the Bolivi- logical diversity conservation are captured (left), so an Pantanal. Its perimeter and the local human popu- females are protected. covers the municipalities of lation sustainable develop- The economic use San Matías, Puerto Suarez, ment, as well as to maintain of caimans (below) Puerto Quijaro, San Jose de territorial spaces and tradi- Chiquitos, San Rafael de Ve- tions of the Chiquitan and inspires appreciation of lasco, Roboré and El Carmen indigenous groups other species and their Rivero Tórrez. Its rivers and that inhabit the region. The habitats

Photos: WWF-Bolívia streams supply the Para- traditional use of natural re- Bolivia’s ‘lizards’ since the guay River right bank, after sources use by these peoples 1970s, few studies have fo- crossing mountain ranges, has served as a sustainability cused on their conservation. large lakes, extensive palm example for the other parties It was at this time that the groves, savannas and natural involved in the caiman man- first crocodilian survey took pastures, where at least 14 agement. place in the country, which different native vegetation Although there has been included information about units have been identified. sporadic information about the Bolivian populations

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 43 SAN MATÍAS INTEGRATED MANAGMENT NATURAL AREA

natural history. Afterwards, a second nationwide study was conducted with solid BRAZIL data about species distribu- tion and status for some of the previously evaluated cai- man populations. From then on, numerous works have emerged that broadened the knowledge about the cai- man populations in different BOLIVIA country regions. One of the main results and objectives of the research carried out since the 1990s IMNA San Matías was the creation of the pro- Rivers & lakes tected area. At the time, the Main roads Caiman yacare was in a good conservation state in Bolivia. In large regions of the coun- try, including the Pantanal zone, high species densities In general, there are three ents advantages and disad- were recorded. Consequent- alternatives for the caimans vantages in terms of conser- ly, discussions began about economic use: wild animal vation value, ease of control the viability of a sustainable captures; collection of eggs and regulation, costs and use program at San Matias and/or newborn hatchlings economic return. Thus, each IMNA, provided that the reg- to raise in captivity; and method application must be ulation conditions were spe- maintenance of reproduc- preceded by an analysis of cifically developed to control tive adults in full captivity both the biological (species) such activity. (farms). Each system pres- and socioeconomic (region in

44 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 which it is intended to work) of the ‘lizard’ was developed management plans, specif- reality. at the San Matías IMNA to ic rules and regulations. The In this context, the same seek greater benefits for local ‘lizard’ management plan was year the San Matias IMNA participants. The plan was built participatively, with the was created (1997), the Na- coordinated by the Nation- main objective of conserving tional Program for Conser- al Protected Areas Service the caiman (Caiman yacare) vation and Sustainable Use (SERNAP) in collaboration and the habitats it occupies, of Lizards (PNASL or Lizard with the Kempff Museum. as well as improving the lo- Program) was initiated, based This Pilot Plan imple- cal parties income within the on individual land quotas that mentation had varied re- San Matías IMNA, reinforc- were granted according to sults. Although some of the ing sustainable management. data obtained from the annu- proposed activities were This new plan required more al caiman population moni- executed, others could not accountability and beneficia- toring. The model chosen was be carried out due to lack of ries participation in manag- the wild animal capture. This staff, budget problems or in- ing economic performance. method requires less eco- terinstitutional coordination nomic investment and land- difficulties. However, it was THE ‘LIZARD’ owners earn the most. Reg- a breakthrough to rely on a MANAGEMENT ulated hunting only allows process supervised by park PLAN MAIN animals over 180 cm long (71 rangers and to raise aware- HIGHLIGHTS WERE: in), which are generally male, ness among local commu- to be killed. Thus, breeding nities about their rights and »» Ensure the caimans conser- females are protected due to responsibilities regarding vation and preserve the hab- their smaller size. caiman management in San itats they occupy through In 2005, researchers at Matías. their sustainable use; the Noel Kempff Mercado In 2008, the first Gener- »» Strengthen the local par- Natural History Museum al Management Plan for the ties social organization for collected information from protected area was estab- adequate caiman manage- local people and caiman pop- lished from the Pilot Plan. ment at San Matías IMNA; ulation counts (in the north This proposed protected area »» Generate sufficient local ca- of the protected area) to eval- internal zoning, whereby the pacities to implement the uate the program’s first years. natural resources sustainable management plan technical Based on this survey, a Pilot management was allowed and administrative aspects; Plan for the Sustainable Use according to more detailed »» Establish local control and

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 45 inspection mechanisms nito, San Fernanda, Villazón, families, communities and that contribute to effective Pozones and Natividad de local organizations. In addi- caiman and its habitats Bahía. There are also seven tion, communities must al- conservation in the San rural properties whose main locate 5% of their earnings Matías IMNA; activity is livestock that par- to support San Matías IM- »» Obtain fair economic ben- ticipate. Between 2016 and NA’s inspection and control efits that will increase the 2018, annual caiman catch- actions; local parties income at the es fluctuated from 1,000 to »» Strengthen the commu- San Matías IMNA; 1,500 individuals per year, nity and sub-community »» Establish a monitoring and including all participants. local parties traditional research system for the This number is considered structures; caiman and its manage- conservative as the maxi- »» Democratize deci- ment to enable timely de- mum annual amount is 2,159 sion-making so that re- cision-making according to individuals. source users define activi- adaptive management log- It is important to restate ties and their planning; ic, and that hunting is only intended »» Plan production and com- »» Establish a system for the to extract some 180 cm (71 mercialization, dissemination and infor- in) adult males from the pop- »» Structure a self-assessment mation exchange among ulation. Capturing females system - both for biolog- different local and region- is prohibited, which protects ical monitoring and eco- al groups to foster under- the species reproductive po- nomic benefits - to protect standing and this resource tential. resources and internally valorization, as well as the disseminate good practic- importance of ensuring its AFTER THE NEW es with support from San conservation. SUSTAINABLE Matías IMNA. MANAGEMENT PLAN In 2014, with support IMPLEMENTATION In short, the goal is to pro- from WWF-Bolivia, the Gen- UNDER THE PROTECTED mote comprehensive resource eral Management Plan was AREA PARTNERS management with the great- updated for implementation SUPERVISION, THE est benefits, which also en- between 2015 and 2020. This GOAL IS TO REACH THE sures long-term sustainability. plan is currently being used FOLLOWING RESULTS: At the same time, fundamen- to control the caiman use in tal data about caiman biology the protected area. Present- »» Increase each participating and ecology are obtained, in- ly, there are seven indige- community household in- cluding information about the nous communities benefiting come; species’ reproduction. from this management: Can- »» Achieve an income equi- Thanks to its participa- delaria, San Miguelito, Tor- table sharing from hunter tory development, the Man-

46 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 tanal. Additionally, economic self-sustainability has been achieved, providing higher income through better orga- nization and progress, with the reinvestment possibility in animal-related productive Photos: WWF-Bolívia Photos: projects. In turn, socio-cultural and organizational self-sus- tainability strengthens local capacities through dialogues between organizations and people. Technical sustain- ability has been increasing through human resources em- powerment at different levels and aspects. All of which con- tributes to economic sustain- ability through the local popu- lations and their organization agement Plan for caiman use active involvement in their in the San Matías IMNA has The integrated natural resources manage- also allowed greater focus management plan ment and conservation. on indigenous organizations, involves indigenous The economic incentives communities and livestock people and ranchers in received by the Management farmers, with local parties and all phases (above). This Plan beneficiaries are reflect- their representative organiza- ensures more economic ed in the biodiversity and eco- tions acting in implementation benefits and effective systems conservation that the phases such as: field studies, species conservation caiman depends on. Once a specific norms and regulations species becomes economical- creation, zoning, monitoring, Such active participation ly valuable, local parties not production chain self-assess- means regaining control of only change their assessment ment and obtaining benefits. resource use and manage- of other species but increase Furthermore, it was possible to ment, enabling progress to- poaching controls and work establish the caiman manage- wards more effective Caiman toward maintaining habitats. ment spatial arrangement by yacare conservation and the In turn, all of these actions identifying traditional capture habitats it occupies preser- positively affect the large wet- and protection sites. vation throughout the Pan- lands conservation.

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 47 THE CHARM OF MYTHICAL CREATURES BY ÁLVARO BANDUCCI JÚNIOR

The wide-range of Pantanal communities that have direct contact with nature has resulted in The Pantanal is a terri- unique stories tory with immense diversity and characters of communities and cultures. Some inhabited the region which still teach long before European colo- life lessons, nizers arrived. Ancestors of

and influence the Guató, Kadiwéu, , Illustration: Matheus Jeremias Fortunato the beliefs and Terena Indians, along with the customs of a number of other ethnic Pantanal residents groups that have disappeared, lived and traveled through the Pantanal wetlands and their surroundings, including Para- guay and Bolivia. In a later process of urban occupation cattle workers, ri- (HUGE HAND) ver dwellers, artisanal fisher- men, small farmers and other

48 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 Photo: Paulo Robson de Souza

groups joined these indige- the region. waits for the waning moon to nous groups in the Pantanal. They know about the extract wood in order to - Being established for appro- food qualities and medicinal tain sturdier and more dura- ximately two hundred years, powers of plants. They also ble pillars. The fruits, cassava these groups constantly inte- have a profound knowled- and other crops cultivation is ract with each other and with ge of wildlife and domestic more productive when done the different habitats of the animals. They are guided during the crescent moon. Pantanal flood basin. by the moon phases when The Pantanal inhabitants The Pantanal people resi- planting crops, fishing and interpret the different nature de, work and sustain them- rearing livestock. manifestations as messages. selves in this vast floodplain, Cowboys know that the Sometimes they are based on holding amazing knowledge new moon is the best time to practical foundations and the about the regional ecosys- give cattle salt because it is a environment careful obser- (HUGE HAND) tems, including flora, fauna time when animals are we- vations, for example, when and the ecological cycles aker. The carpenter who buil- fireflies fly low it is a sign of that provide rhythm to life in ds corrals and fences, usually heavy rain. Other times they

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 49 are determined by faith and chores, the animals, and the of leather. Then he would put magic: to find a lost horse, you mythical creatures that appe- them on a long stick. He had simply have to conjure these ar to challenge those who something that he put in his animals’ protector - Campei- doubt them or misbehave. mouth so he could imitate all rinho, which is similar to the Learning often takes pla- the animals. Then it was our Negrinho do Pastoreio myth. ce in a playful way: bathing turn: we would reenact bull Offering a little bit of tobacco in the river and paying atten- fights; we made horses nei- at a gate, a lit candle and strong tion to its dangers; working gh, running back and forth. I faith are enough for the entity in the corrals and figuring was a young kid, about nine, to point you in the direction of out ways to control the catt- ten years old. I remember the the missing horse. le; playing with canoes and adventures to this day”, he re- By observing elders, as- lassos; caring for domestic calls. Through these adven- sisting in production acti- animals, among others. In tures staged by a visionary vities, listening to fantastic the 1950s and 1960s, Silvé- uncle in a makeshift shadow tales, stories and narratives, rio, a former foreman on a “cinema” on the Taquari Ri- children learn from an early Pantanal farm, reports that ver banks, the children lear- age to make sense of and to when he was young, his un- ned about animals and their behave in the natural world. cle put on a shadow play. For behaviors, about dangers, fe- When he was young, Roberto, farm kids on the Taquari Ri- ars ...and about courage. a cowboy from Nhecolândia, ver banks, it was the same as Animals also come to Corumbá, says that every going to the cinema. life and have personalities time a visitor came “The cinema was a com- in fabulous narratives, who- to his home, his fa- mon house. He put a very thin se morals tends to serve as a ther would take a sheet on the door and put out standard for social behavior. dry cow hide and the lights. Only the kerose- Mr. Natalino, a cattle worker, place it on the grou- ne lamps inside remained lit. tells us the story of the vul- nd for the children My uncle made animals out ture and the caracara, a bird to sit and listen to the of prey in the falcon family. stories. There they lear- “The vulture likes to eat cold ned about the farm stuff. Cold carrion. The tri- cky caracara brags about ea- ting hot food. These two are friends, the vulture and the caracara. One day they were walking. The vulture was very hungry. He was waiting for an animal to die and cool down so that he could eat. They sat on a

50 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 post top. Then a pigeon appeared. The caracara provoked the vulture saying “Oh, I’m going to eat that pigeon. I’m hungry and I’m going to eat it hot.” The vul- ture, which was hun- grier than the caracara, couldn’t do anything, so he said: I doubt you’ll ca- tch that pigeon. “I’ll get it”, said the caracara. “No, you won’t”, retorted the vulture. Then the caracara went after the pigeon. The pigeon flew fast and dodged him; flying back and forth so many times that he got stuck in a tree. The pigeon flew away. The vulture approached the caracara, and the caracara said: “So now what my friend? I am stuck”. Photos: Liana John The vulture said: “Now, I will let you cool down so I can kill my hunger.” Then, he let the social attitudes and to inter- The caracara (above) caracara die and ate him. vene against disproportio- ignored a friendship The vulture’s attitude can nate actions imposed on the with the vulture hardly be justified by any ethi- environment, such as exces- (previous page) and cal principle. But for listeners sive hunting, fishing and de- wanted to be clever who are attentive to the Pan- forestation. by hunting a pigeon. tanal’s narrative, there is an This is what happened to But the prey escaped, important lesson to be learned a reckless hunter in the nor- and the predator died, about the friendship meaning. thern Pantanal who took his becoming the vulture’s Before we are guided by petti- canoe and went hunting for ness and vanity, we must ins- peccaries to feed his family. meal till on solidarity and respect. Arriving at the hunting grou- with only two of the pecca- Mythical creatures are nds, he slaughtered eight pec- ries he had killed, he heard a in constant contact with the caries for fun, which was far strange noise, a thud on the Pantanal people. They can more than he needed for food. floor and a voice that com- be summoned by improper While returning to his boat plained, “Six more to go!”

ISSUEISSUE 05 | 05 2019 | 2019PANTANALPantanal SCIENCE Science 51 Startled, he hastened his leg, rendering him immobile The creature lives in the pace, but soon he saw a tall, for some time. Pantanal river whirlpools thin old black man with a sta- Rivers are also inhabited and curves, churning the wa- ff in one hand and a pipe in the by supernatural beings. One ters, destroying the banks, other. He was followed by a herd of the most threatening pre- and mucking up the rivers. of injured peccaries that were sences is the Minhocão (Great Fishermen and river dwel- unsuccessfully killed by other Worm). A huge, black worm lers should always be aware hunters. He was the owner of that sometimes resembles a and cautious of Minhocão, as the peccaries and ordered the very large snake with a pig or it can manifest itself to those hunter to leave the two pecca- a dog head. A mythical crea- who fish at night or who treat ries in the canoe and return to tures expert, cowboy Roberto the rivers improperly. fetch the rest. Begrudgingly, explains that his father once “In Corumbá, on the other the hunter had to carry all six saw the creature in the Para- side of the river, there is a port animals at one time. Back on guay River: “It looked like a where a man lived. In front of the boat, he was warned by the wooden barge. It was rolling the port there was a whirlpool man that: “Every animal has in the middle of the river, that in the river. The man always an owner! You should only kill thick animal was rolling. He threw broken glass cups and what you are going to eat”. As thought it was a canoe. He bottles into the whirlpool. Be- he spoke, he emptied the tobac- looked carefully and saw that cause he threw so many into co of his pipe on the hunter’s it was the Minhocão”. the river, the worm decided to

Photo: Paulo Robson de Souza/Illustration: Matheus Fortunato

(GIANT WORM)

52 PANTANALPantanal Science SCIENCEISSUEISSUE 05 | 05 2019 | 2019 take him down. It dug and dug mes a big black, hairy person- will eventually attract uncon- and crumbled the river bank. -shaped animal. This creature trollable creatures from other The man lived far from the ri- makes people go crazy and worlds, like Mãozão. ver bank, but the beast made a get lost in the fields. Mãozão Thus, the imagination of hole and dug so much that the has normal-sized but extre- the Pantanal people is en- man had to move away. The mely powerful hands; a cir- chanted by beings who live in beast moved underground, cular movement over a per- the most diverse floodplain uprooting mango like trees. son’s head is enough to stun environments; in the inters- Day by day, the animal moved them and make them get lost titial spaces between this forward to tear down his hou- or follow him into the woods. and other worlds. The charm se and sink it into the river. To To avoid encountering this of mythical creatures lies in escape the beast, the man had entity, farmhands, cowboys, mediating people’s actions to move to the city”, explains and other farm workers must with one another and with cowboy Roberto. behave according to strict so- nature, in ordering the world, Supernatural entities not cial standards. Walking alone giving meaning to dialogues only regulate people’s action in the fields, especially at ni- woven between different do- in the environment, but also ght, shouting unnecessarily mains - social, natural and guide their social conduct. and messing around are im- supernatural - that only exist This is the case of Mãozão proper behaviors for a farm when in relationship, in per- (Huge Hand), which someti- worker. If they don’t abide manent contact and balance mes looks like a tapir, someti- by these social norms, they with nature.

ISSUEISSUE 05 | 05 2019 | 2019PANTANALPantanal SCIENCE Science 53 IN FAVOR OF LIFE Classifying places with favorable environmental and geographical conditions for the development of animal and plant species - the macrohabitats - is a tool to improve the protection and proper use of the Pantanal wetland

BY CATIA NUNES DA CUNHA, ERICA CEZARINE DE ARRUDA, ELIANA PAIXÃO E WOLFGANG J. JUNK

54 PANTANALPantanal Science SCIENCE ISSUEVOLUME 05 05 | 2019| 2019 “Wetlands” is the most generic communities that are adapted to name by which we call veredas, var- their water dynamics. However, to jões, varzeas, brejos, as well as ex- be considered a wetland they must tensive floodplains such as the Pan- shelter higher, aquatic or marsh tanal. They are ecosystems at the () plant species, at least peri- interface between terrestrial and odically, and/or have a wet substrate aquatic, continental or coastal, and layer or soil. natural or artificial environments, The main factor is , permanently or periodically flood- which is what determines the ecolog- ed by shallow waters or with soaked ical conditions in wetlands and influ- soils. The waters can be fresh, brack- ences the flora and fauna. In Brazil, the ish or salty, with plant and animal vast majority of these areas belong

Photo: Eliana Paixão

VOLUMEISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANALPantanal SCIENCE Science 55 to a group whose water level fluctuates. This is because the Brazilian territory is dominat- ed by climates with defined dry and rainy seasons. Thus, Photo: Érica Cezarine de ArrudaPhoto: Photo: Cátia Nunes da Cunha Nunes Cátia Photo:

Soda lakes (previous page) da Cunha Nunes Cátia Photo: earth mound fields (above), sandy river beaches (top right), Mimoso grasslands (bottom right) & floodplain channels (next page) are some of the macrohabitats a floodplain located in the vegetation in the region that named according to the Upper Paraguay River Ba- is dominated by seasonally- sin, subject to a “predictable, and slightly higher forested Pantanal language low-amplitude monomodal regions called cordilheiras. pulse”. Above all, the region These areas are vital habi- consists of annually flooded tats for maintaining func- the dramatic fluctuation of savannas. tional integrity and local water availability resulting A wetland extent is de- biodiversity. from periods of excess rain or termined by the shallow The outer limits of the no rain causes periodic flood- flooding or soaking – either Pantanal are indicated by the ing, called flood pulses. permanent or periodic- or absence of soils formed by For the Brazilian wetland areas influenced by maxi- water (hydromorphic) and/ classification, regarding the mum average inundations, or by the permanent or pe- hydrological differences, in places exposed to flood riodic absence of plants that the Pantanal is considered pulses. This includes native only live in water or with a

56 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 lot of water (hydrophytes), detailed below is intended to tain type of upper vegetation as well as by the absence synthesize and summarize characteristic. This is then of trees and shrubs (woody the huge and complex Pan- followed by the smallest clas- species) adapted to periodi- tanal components. Several sification unit -macrohabitat cally drenched soils. of its units have been named - defined as “subclass subunit, To understand the com- according to the names tra- characterized by indicator plexity of the Pantanal and ditionally used by Pantanal plant species or groups”. facilitate a general under- residents. In other words, macro- standing by everyone, sci- In this classification sys- habitat is the unit that is most sensitive to changes in environmental conditions. Therefore, these are best to use for comparative scientific studies, defining ecosystem services (production units), Photo: Cátia Nunes da Cunha Nunes Cátia Photo: analyzing environmental impacts, and developing le- gal approaches to wetland management and protection. For research, this classification provides new approaches. For example, it allows for comparative studies between large wet- lands. With more than 74 macrohabitats, the Pantanal entists have divided it into tem, the Pantanal is included is more complex than other smaller units called mac- in the class category. After- previously classified, large rohabitats. This helps plan wards the functional units Brazilian wetlands, such as comparative scientific stud- are designated, which in- Amazonian varzeas and ig- ies and indicates the differ- cludes “macroregions with após (with 36 and 25 mac- ent forms of sustainable use similar hydrological condi- rohabitats, respectively), as and the protection level re- tions”, that is, large areas with well as those from the Ara- quired for each type of envi- similar annual water phases guaia River (27 macrohab- ronment. In a way, before this or similar variations between itats) and Paraná River (28 complex classification, the the waterlogged phase and macrohabitats). This is due Pantanal inhabitants already the (drier) terrestrial phase. to the fact that the Pantanal had a similar classification to Below functional unit is contains many forest and sa- manage its farm, fishing, and the subclass. In addition to the vannah macrohabitats, with all economic activities. The specific hydrological condi- very complex geomorphol- macrohabitat classification tions, subclass also has a cer- ogy. Comparative studies

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 57 can also be applied for plant Inadequate a single exotic species for and animal species, both be- management can lead large-scale pasture forma- tween large wetlands and to the simplification of tion decreases the native between their respective forest that accompany herbaceous plant species macrohabitats. landis (below) or diversity. These conversions The impact of climate polyspecific decreases the capacity to and human-induced hydro- (next page, bottom), sustain the fauna associated logical changes can best be harming the function with these native observed in macrohabitats of the mosaic of plants. arranged along the flood microhabitas in the gradient. The effects of wet- Pantanal. (next page, top) ter or very dry multi-year MANY POLITICIANS, events can dramatically af- fect different macrohabitats. For example, studies related the advance of a tree species, “cambara” (Vochysia diver- gens), to the wettest multi- year period since 1974. In the past, human inter- ference was minimal regard- Erica Cezarine de ArrudaPhoto: ing management practices in the Brazilian wetland, main- taining most vital structures and functions, as well as biodiversity. However, more recent management tech- niques introduced in the last for ecotourism, the land- PLANNERS & decades have become more scape beauty, biodiversity AGROBUSINESS aggressive than traditional and emblematic plants and REPRESENTATIVES ones and impact much larg- animals species in these en- CONSIDER THE er areas. Furthermore, they vironments need to be pre- CLASSIFICATION have reduced macrohabi- served. PRESENTED HERE TOO tat diversity, causing major But new ranchers, with COMPLICATED TO damage to the environment. increasing cattle production BE PRACTICED. THIS In the Pantanal, ranchers goals, destroy essential habi- ARGUMENT IS INVALID own about 95% of the land, tats for the multiple services FOR TWO REASONS: and traditional livestock and functions provided by practices have maintained the Pantanal. Replacing the »» Complex systems, such as microhabitat diversity. Since large variety of native field the Pantanal, require com- this biome is currently used (or grassland) plants with plex management meth-

58 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 simplification will result in and for the different phases of serious ecological, econom- their lifecycles, such as search- ic and social damage. ing for food and breeding sites. The destruction of one of these The high macrohabitat di- macrohabitats - let’s say, one es-

Photo: Cátia Nunes da Cunha Nunes Cátia Photo: versity is the expression of the sential for reproduction - could system’s complexity. Efforts to lead to population collapse, protect Pantanal structures and even though other macrohabi- functions should be based on tats with food remain available.

THUS, PANTANAL PROTECTION SHOULD BE BASED ON THREE PILLARS:

»» Implementation of protect- ed areas, such as nation- al and state parks, Private

Photo: Cátia Nunes da Cunha Nunes Cátia Photo: National Heritage Reserves (RPPNs) and park roads, among others. »» No protection is effective without local population participation. As about 95% of Pantanal lands are owned by cattle ranchers, key protection mechanisms ods. That is, the produc- maintaining this diversity. Bo- of macrohabitats need to tive sector must adapt its tanical surveys show that many be discussed with this sec- simplified methods to the species prefer certain macrohab- tor. Ecotourism, which has system’s complexity rather itats. For example, capões and already been adopted by than try to adapt the com- cordilheiras deforestation would many traditional farmers is plex system to its simple eliminate many species, espe- an important approach. methods. cially those with little flood resis- »» Appropriate legislation can »» The simple application tance, since one of the ecological provide financial support management method only function of these macrohabitats to those who protect key leads to the destruction of is to limit the reach of flooding. Pantanal habitats, to com- the Pantanal’s mains struc- For animals, the situation pensate for inevitable eco- ture and functions. and is even more complex. Many nomic losses from the de- functions destruction. In species use different macro- velopment of protectionist the medium and long term, habitats during the water cycle activities.

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 59 AT THE SERVICE OF A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

BY FÁBIO BOLZAN E FÁBIO ROQUE

Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP) concept can make the environmental tax compensation instruments more impartial and broader

Photo: Liana john

Of the 26 Brazilian states, and the majority of munici- their traditional econom- 17 have already implement- pal revenue. ic activities due to the parks ed the Ecological ICMS and The Ecological ICMS and reserves creation in part in 16 of them, environmental emerged in the late 1980’s as or all of their territories, such indicators are used to define a fiscal transfer political-eco- municipalities demanded resource allocation. ICMS nomic instrument following some form of compensation. stands for Tax on the Goods Paraná municipalities’ polit- Subsequently, the Ecolog- and Services Circulation, a ical mobilization against the ical ICMS came to be consid- tax anchored in the 1988 restriction of productive en- ered a way of encouraging Federal Constitution, which terprises on protected lands. the creation of new protected represents the principal tax Banned from carrying out areas, as well as rewarding

60 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 municipalities for the quality protected areas. THE INTEGRATED of management in their areas. From these two index DATA SET IS BASED ON With 25% of this tax attribut- components, 70% of the re- GEOSPACIAL INFORMATION ed to municipalities, the state sources are related to the OF MATO GROSSO DO is free to distribute up to a protected areas strategy. SUL LANDSCAPES AND quarter of this amount (1/4 of This is the primary and most IS COMPOSED BY THE 25%) as it desires. Thus, the traditional means to mini- FOLLOWING LAYERS: priorities of the municipali- mize human action impacts ties can be influenced by the on biodiversity and ecosys- »» Carbon stock: representing creation and establishment tems, affecting natural hab- above ground biomass (na- of the Ecological ICMS. itat loss and species extinc- tive vegetation); In the state of Mato Gros- tion risk. »» Ecological resilience: con- so do Sul, the Ecological To improve the Ecolog- sidering the biota (group of ical ICMS in Mato Grosso living beings in a region) do Sul, evaluating the poli- ability to recuperate local cies and strategies that are losses through landscape already in place is crucial, scale immigration; especially when address- »» Potential ecosystem ser- ing biodiversity and eco- vices: assuming that the per- system service issues. In formance of such services is this regard, this study in- directly related to the struc- corporates to the Ecological ture, composition and func- ICMS plan an approach that tion of native vegetation; is beyond the protection of »» Priority areas for conser- areas, by also representing vation: seeking to define ecosystem services of mu- which areas are irreplace- nicipalities in a more inte- able for biodiversity conser- grated and holistic form. It vation through systematic also includes Nature’s Con- conservation planning, and ICMS has been operating tributions to People (NCP) »» Biodiversity corridors: con- effectively since 2001, with concept: where culture is sidering linear designs ca- total transfers exceeding R$ central to all the links be- pable to integrate landscapes 800 million by 2018. Cur- tween people and nature. with a high connectivity de- rently, resource distribution The data used encom- gree, associated with ripari- is defined by the Municipal passes both the biodiver- an forests and connected to Environmental Index, which sity conservation impor- conservation units. reflects the quality and quan- tance and the provision of tity of protected areas in the ecosystem services, It also In order to unite all the municipal territory, as well considers mitigating climate layers, after data standard- as the quality and quantity of change. ization, the arithmetic mean

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 61 ICMS distribution according to Nature’s ICMS distribution according to the 2018 Contributions to People (NCP) Municipal Environmental Index

was used to order each mu- ly adopted by the municipal municipality received the nicipality. Finally, to simulate environmental index, which most Ecological ICMS re- the result of layer integra- is predominantly focused on sources: R$ 10.5 million. If tion in the Ecological ICMS protected areas. By consid- the NCP criterion were used, interface of Mato Grosso do ering NCP as a criterion for Corumbá would be awarded Photo: Liana john Sul, we considered the R$ 77 transfers, the management almost R$ 25 million; more million transferred in 2018 model now includes public than double of Jateí’s benefits. and their respective munic- and private areas. The strat- Using mixed strategies ipal environmental indexes. egy based on NCP is also can not only affect the pre- Thus, when using a data more equitable, as it rewards dominantly public protect- set based on the NCP, munic- everyone. On the other hand, ed areas management but ipalities with the most posi- given the discrepancy in na- can also highlight the im- tive situation, that is, where ture conservation between portance of private areas. the integrity of ecological the municipalities in Mato By spreading actions and, functions is most preserved Grosso do Sul, especial- consequently, their positive and the priority conserva- ly between the Paraná and effects, the benefits of eco- tion issues are met, will be Paraguay river basins, the system services can flow awarded. amplitude of transfer values from the places where they This approach differs would increase considerably. originate to where they are from the strategy current- For example, in 2018, Jateí consumed. This reinforces

62 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 Potential Ecosystem Services (blue), Ecological Resilience (green), Carbon Stock (brown), Biodiversity Corridors (pink) and Priority Conservation Areas (yellow) representations in Mato

Photo: Liana john Grosso do Sul. the need to use integrative establishment of ecosystem biodiversity, ecosystem ser- public policies focused on services by focusing main- vices and human well-be- corporate responsibility to ly on nature’s material con- ing becomes fundamental maintain natural capital, as tributions, However, there to continuously improve well as the representative- is still a lack of information economic policies and tools, ness of the various civil so- regarding the immaterial such as the ICMS. Finally, ciety participants involved values that natural resourc- this political-economic tool in the natural resources gov- es generate for the well-be- of fiscal transfer encourag- ernance and the design of ing of people. These include es and recognizes NCP, with new development options. those related to ecotourism, the potential to enable social Data about NCP has ex- scenic beauty, and spiritual and economic development, plored important biodiversity and cultural aspects. as well as to construct a conservation aspects and the In this sense, integrating more sustainable future.

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 63 In Upper Paraguay, every newborn from the Yshir YSHIR, A Chamacoco nation comes into the world with a mission: to PANTANAL care for their ancestral gods and face the challenges of conserving nature and the RESISTANCE globalization effects BY MÓNICA BAREIRO

Photo: Mónica Bareiro

The water (Eshynwyrta), pital. In Puerto Diana, Kar- Pressured by businessmen wind (Nehmur) and forest cha Bahlut, Puerto Pollo, Dos (Pawthiata) are the main dei- Estrellas, Puerto Esperanza, and entraped by regulations ties for the traditional people Virgen Santísima and Bue- imposed by bureaucrats, who inhabit seven indige- na Vista, children are alrea- indigenous communities nous communities, located dy born as guardians of their (above) seek strength in about 800 kilometers from ancestral culture and deities, ancestral traditions to avoid Asuncion, the Paraguay ca- whose importance goes far losing their lands

64 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 beyond religion and its terri- which is completely illegal nes. We just cling to the wis- tory in a worldwide relevant according to Paraguayan le- dom of our ancestors, and act region such as the Pantanal. gislation. like them: we fight, despite The seven communities The impact of land loss everything”. are located on the Negro and is huge. Today, rituals like Another leader, María Paraguay river banks and are Delivyvy are no longer Estela Barboza, insists on parts of the Yshir nation, a enough to stop the raids. recalling that none of the wide group of people forgot- Formerly, this was a dance communities would continue ten by the Guarani authori- done in honor of Eshynwyr- if it were not for the chiefs’ ties. Leaders like Marciano ta (the water god) to ward wisdom and the gods’ for- Barboza, one of Puerto Dia- off evil spirits. Now, ene- ce. She points out forms of na’s chiefs, recall the bravery mies force them to remain resistance: “We have water, of their ancestors that stru- in places where they cannot air and forests, which chan- ggled to guard their lands. secure their own supplies. ges over time. Now there If an outsider got too close, “Before, if we were hungry, are more white men coming he would be expelled with we would go into the woods with their things. But we arrows. Today, enemies at- to hunt animals, but only to must be strong. Our children tack differently; they come eat. We looked for fruits and learn Yshir, Castilian, some with documents and oblige honey. All from the woods. Guarani, and a lot of Portu- Indians to comply with ad- Nowadays, entrepreneurs guese, because now we have ministrative procedures and come with their machines to sell things like honey and bureaucracy. to blow it all away. And they handicrafts to survive”. Previously, according to leave us without our “su- In the communities, ge- the Yshir Chamacocos people, permarket”, laments Rober- nerally, people are far more their gods provided the water to Campos García, another hostile and unfriendly com- and food necessary for sur- Puerto Diana leader. pared to other Paraguayans. vival. They did not need this For women, like Rumilda Their mission of defending “invention of whites” – money García, being born in the Pan- their culture and deities is – which is now fundamental tanal is not a privilege. “We difficult when in their ho- to travel to the country’s ca- have a very strong ancestral mes, there is a constant and pital and fulfill bureaucratic culture and we value it. But inescapable concern: hun- procedures. If they don’t have sometimes this becomes a ger. But their commitment to their documents in order, heavy burden”, she says. “We Chamacocan language and they lose their land. This has are committed to defending customs, and their efforts already happened. Several this land and do not have the to protect them are evident. places traditionally occupied same fighting tools as our The Pantanal itself seems to by this indigenous nation are enemies. They come with a transmit its strength to the now attributed to foreigners, lot of money, with machi- last Yshir guardians.

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 65 66 PANTANAL SCIENCE ISSUE 05 | 2019 Photo: Mónica Bareiro Mónica Photo:

ISSUE 05 | 2019 PANTANAL SCIENCE 67                                