PANTANAL - MACAWS SURVIVE FIRES AND PROVIDE HOPE FOR - WWF
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
SCIENCE
PANTANAL
FINANCED BY
THE EUROPEAN
MAGAZINE Issue 06 / n o 01 / 2021 / ISSN 2357 - 9056 UNION
MACAWS SURVIVE FIRES
AND PROVIDE HOPE FOR
RESILIENCE PG 36
EDIBLE PANTANEIRO OCELOT
PLANTS HORSE IS INFLUENCES
SUSTAIN HEARTY, PREY AND
WILDLIFE AND TOUGH AND SMALLER
PEOPLE EFFICIENT FELINES
PG 08 PG 12 PG 16
VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 1
SOLIDARITY
AND COMMITMENT
The Pantanal asked for water. The arrives. There are many plant species
land of the rivers, lakes, oxbows, soda that developed protections against
lakes and annual flood cycles slowly flames. For example, some have thick
dried up over two consecutive years bark or roots capable of sprouting
of drought. Combustible organic mat- through the ashes. Among the ani-
ter built up in the dry pastures, forest mals, many species are able to escape
patches, dried out lakes and in flood- or seek refuge in underground bur-
plains that were usually inundated. rows, natural tree cavities or aquatic
Unfortunate careless behavior by habitats.
some inhabitants started the fires that These strategies generally work
rapidly raged across the Pantanal. In- during periodic moderate intensity
numerable wild animals were killed or fires, whether natural, started by light-
injured. Predation and scavenging be- ning, or human-caused. However, this
came common. Many survivors still was not the case in 2019 and 2020.
faced hunger and thirst, competing Although the prolonged drought was
with each other for food that was not within the climatic extremes rang-
scorched by fires, and for remaining es recorded in the Pantanal, mea-
water found in the larger lakes. sures to control the accumulation of
It is true that the Pantanal biome highly-combustible vegetation were
evolved with the presence of fires. lacking, environmental awareness
Many ecological processes are trig- and commonsense by people using
gered by fire, such as certain trees fire were lacking, adequate train-
flowering and fruiting, including the ing for firefighting was lacking and
famous paratudos (trumpet trees, ge- emergency responses from govern-
nus Tabebuia), or the germination of ment authorities were slow and in-
carandá palm seeds (Copernicia alba) adequate. As a result, small fires grew
that are dormant in the soil until fire in intensity and size, multiplied, and
2 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021
soon ravaged and spread across encouraging resilience report, as region and present the Bonito Fishes
the landscape. Firefighters, few in in the case of hyacinth macaws, Project 20-year commemoration,
number, struggled to reach inac- whose nests were impacted by fire connecting science, communities
cessible fire stricken areas that did during their reproductive season and tourism. More than ever, this is
not have roads, electricity or an peak at Caiman Ecological Refuge a time to value traditional customs
adequate communication system. and at Fazenda São Francisco do and knowledge – such as the Pan-
Researchers, volunteers, com- Perigara in 2019 and 2020, respec- taneiro horses’ services for handling
munity members, local govern- tively. WWF-Brazil provided emer- cattle, and the edible native plants
ments and non-governmental gency aid to implement nest pro- uses that enrich Pantaneiro diets
organizations have come togeth- tection measures for the surviving – among other ongoing initiatives.
er to put out the flames and try hyacinth macaws’ new generation. In this edition, ecological economic
to minimize biodiversity losses. Also, in this edition, the polli- zoning instruments for participative
WWF-Brazil supported numerous nators ecological functions and territorial planning and landscape
initiatives to organize fire brigades their intricate plant-pollinator in- change scenario projections are not
on ranches and in Pantanal com- teractions networks are presented. forgotten. Territorial planning recon-
munities, providing firefighting Although they are small, even in- ciles economic growth and natural
gear and personal protective equip- sects can play an important role in resources protection, favoring cur-
ment to firefighters. They provided the Pantanal restoration. Another rent and future generations, while
funds for setting up emergency res- article discusses parasitism, em- landscape scenario projections allow
cue centers to treat injured animals phasizing the importance of con- us to plan a future that incorporates
in the field, and they donated med- sidering both domestic animals the wishes of all Pantaneiros.
ication and veterinarian supplies to and wildlife’s health as one. The Through the array of subjects
rescue and rehabilitation centers herbivorous mammals’ role as true covered in this edition, WWF-Bra-
(e.g., CRAS in Campo Grande, Mato environmental guardians, capable sil reiterates its commitment to
Grosso do Sul). WWF-Paraguay of providing conservation tips for the vast biodiversity in the Pan-
and WWF-Bolivia set up an inter- dealing with ongoing land-use tanal and the surrounding high-
national communication network changes, is also described. This lands conservation. And their be-
to exchange information about edition reports yet on the preda- lief in solidarity without borders.
wildfire movements along the tor-prey relationships of the oce- Together we can face the chal-
three countries borders. lot, one of the most abundant fe- lenges and prioritize environmen-
This Pantanal Science mag- line species in the Pantanal. tal actions that guarantee the Pan-
azine edition presents some of With a desire to get back to nor- tanal ecosystem resilience!
the first fire impacts assessments mal – in the face of wildfires and the
and the long-term consequences COVID-19 pandemic – it is import- MAURICIO VOIVODIC
that will affect the Pantanal over ant to provide sustainable business- Diretor Executivo
the coming years. There is also an es examples being developed in the WWF-Brasil
VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 3
SUMÁRIO Photo: Ieda Bortolotto
SUGGESTIONS, CONTRIBUTIONS AND DOUBTS
08
Alexine Keuroghlian THE KNOWLEDGE AND
alexinek@hotmail.com FLAVOR OF NATURAL
CONTACT ADDRESS BIOCULTURAL
WWF-Brasil ORCHARDS
CLS 114 Bloco D loja 35
CEP: 70377-540
Photo: Sandra Santos
12
Brasília - DF
PRINT
1.000 exemplares
EXPEDIENTE
THE “PANTANEIRO”,
EDITORIAL BOARD
A HORSE OF
Alexine Keuroghlian EXTRAORDINARY
Science Pantanal Magazine Founder and General Coordinator VALUE
Donald P. Eaton
Science Pantanal Magazine Manager and Scientific Coordinator
16
Gabriela Yamaguchi Photo: Andressa Fraga
WWF-Brasil Engaged Society Director
Júlia Boock
WWF-Brasil Conservation Analyst
Leonardo Duarte Avelino
Science Pantanal Magazine Legal Advisor
Liana John
Science Pantanal Magazine Executive Editor
OCELOT, BIG OCELOT,
WILDCAT OR LITTLE
TECHNICAL BOARD JAGUAR?
Alexine Keuroghlian – Peccari Project
Andrea Cardoso Araujo – UFMS
Cyntia Cavalcante Santos–UFMS
Daniela Venturato Giori – Planurb Photo: Wetlands International
24
Donald P. Eaton – Peccari Project
Fabio de Oliveira Roque – UFMS
Laércio Machado de Souza – CNRPPN and REPAMS
Walfrido M. Tomas – Embrapa Pantanal
EDITORIAL COORDINATION
Alexine Keuroghlian and Donald P. Eaton NATURAL PRODUCTS
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
COMMERCIALIZED
Renata Andrada Peña – WWF-Brasil Comunication Analyst CONSCIENTIOUSLY
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Liana John (Responsible journalist MTb 12.092)
26
COVER PHOTOS
Hyacinth Macaw – Bruno Carvalho
Acuri bunch – Cyntia Cavalcante Santos
Pantaneiro Horse – Sandra Santos
Ocelot – Andressa Fraga
TRANSLATION
TERRITORIAL
Spanish – Easy Translation Services and Flash Translations PLANNING
English – Alexine Keuroghlian and Donald P. Eaton ACCOMPLISHED!
GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
Matheus Fortunato
30
Photo: Juliana Arini
THE FIRES
BLEAK LEGACY
REVISTA DIGITAL: ACESSE O QR CODE
4 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021
Photo: Bruno Carvalho Photo: Camila Souza
36
STUBBORN
SURVIVORS
46 42
LANDSCAPE
PROJECTIONS NATURE’S
NURSES
Photo: Marcelo Krause Photo: Gabriel Oliveira de Freitas
50
BONITO
FISHES
Photo: Liana John Photo: Jeffrey Himmelstein
66
A HAPPYREDIS-
COVERY
56 60
THE BODOQUENA
KEEPING AN EYE ENVIRONMENTAL
ON WILDLIFE GUARDIANS
VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 5
AUTORES
Alessandro Pacheco Nunes Catiana Sabadin Zamarrenho Gabriel Oliveira de Freitas
Ecology and Conservation -Mato Grosso Ecologycal Economic Zoning Wildlife and Environmental Education
do Sul Federal University (UFMS) Campo Grande Town Hall Pantanal Enviromental Foundation
tiriba.ms@gmail.com gabrielrj.freitas@gmail.com
Cyntia Cavalcante Santos
Ana Cecília de Paula Lourenço Ecology and Conservation - etlands Inter- Geraldo Alves Damasceno-Junior
Biology and Conservation - Hyacinth Macaw national Blue Corridor Program / Women in Biosciences, Ecology and Conservation
Institute -anacecilia.lourenco@hotmail.com Action in the Pantanal (MUPAN) Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University
cyntiacavalcantesantos@gmail.com (UFMS) - geraldodamasceno@gmail.com
Ana Paula Camilo Pereira
Geography - Mato Grosso do Sul State Daniel Massen Frainer Grasiela Edith Oliveira Porfírio
University (UEMS) - apaulacape@gmail.com Economy and Producción Engineering Biology, Ecology and Conservation
Mato Grosso do Sul State University (UEMS) Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University
Andréa Cardoso de Araujo (UFMS) and Dom Bosco Catholic University
Vegetal Biology, Ecology and Conservation Daniela Venturato Giori Ayres (UCDB) grasi_porfirio@hotmail.com
Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University Journalist – Consultant
(UFMS) - andrea.araujo@ufms.br biologicajornalismo@gmail.com Heitor Miraglia Herrera
Veterinary Medicine and Parasitic Biology
Andressa Rocha Fraga Érica Fernanda G. Gomes de Sá Dom Bosco Catholic University (UCDB) and
Ecology and Environmental Monitoring Ecology and Zoology Research Group InsanaHuna (CNPq)
Paraíba Federal University (PPGEMA/UFPB) Paraíba Federal University (PPGCB/UFPB) herrera@ucdb.br
andressafraga@gmail.com ericafernanda12@gmail.com
Henrique Villas Boas Concone
Angélica Guerra Fabiana Lopes Rocha Applied Ecology and Conservation
Vegetal Biology, Ecology and Conservation Ecology, Parasitology and Conservation Pro-Carnivores Institute (IPC) and São Paulo
Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University Brazil Species Survival Center (IUCN/SSC) University (PPGI-EA/ESALQ/CENA/USP)
(UFMS) - angelicaguerra14@hotmail.com and Paraíba Federal University (UFPB) hvbconcone@yahoo.com.br
fabiana.rocha@csebrasil.org.br
Áurea da Silva Garcia Ieda Maria Bortolotto
Science Teaching Fabio de Oliveira Roque Biosciences - Mato Grosso do Sul Federal
Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University Biosciences - Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University (UFMS) - iedamaria.bortolotto@gmail.com
(UFMS) y MUPAN - auresgarcia@gmail.com University (UFMS) - roque.eco@gmail.com
José Sabino
Breno Ferreira de Melo Fabio Martins Ayres Fishes of Bonito Project - Anhanguera-
Cerrado-Pantanal Conservation Geography - Mato Grosso do Sul State Uni- UNIDERP University (University for the
WWF-Brasil - brenomelo@wwf.org.br versity (UEMS) - fabioayres@hotmail.com Development of the State and the Pantanal
Region) - sabino-jose@uol.com.br
Bruno Henrique Grolli Carvalho Fábio Takahashi
Biology and Photography Food Engineering and Ecologycal Juiana de Mendonça Casade
Pedro Scherer Neto Foudation Engineering - Viçosa Federal Univserity Ecologycal Economic Zoning
brunocarvalhobio@gmail.com (UFV) - fabiotak@ufv.br Campo Grande Town Hall
Camila Silveira Souza Fernanda Mussi Fontoura Júlia Corrêa Boock
Biological Sciences, Ecology and Biology, Environment and Regional Conservation – WWF-Brasil
Conservation - Paraná Federal University Development - Hyacinth Macaw Institute juliaboock@wwf.org.br
(UFPR) - souza.camila.bio@gmail.com ferpa701@gmail.com
Júlio César Sampaio da Silva
Caroline L. Gross Flávia Accetturi Szukala Araujo Conservation and Environmental
Sciences and Agriculture - Conservation - WWF-Brasil Sustainability - Consultant - Juliosam@gmail.com
University of New England in Australia flaviaaraujo@wwf.org.br
(UNE) - cgross@une.edu.au Julio Francisco Alves Fernandes
Gabriel Carvalho de Macedo Geography - Wetlands International Blue
Cássio Bernardino Environmental Sciences and Agricultural Corridor Program / Women in Action in the
Forest Engineering and Project Management Sustainability - Dom Bosco Catholic Universi- Pantanal (MUPAN)
WWF-Brasil - cassiobernardino@wwf.org.br ty (UCDB) - carvalhodemacedo@gmail.com julio_fernandes@mupan.org.br
6 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021
Katia Maria Paschoaletto Pedro Cordeiro Estrela We appreciate and thank the informa-
Micchi de Barros Ferraz Sistemathics and Ecology tion from the field on the impacts of fires
Biological Sciences and Applied Ecology Paraíba Federal University (UFPB)
São Paulo University (ESALQ/USP), Pro-Car- estrela.dse.ufpb.br in the Pantanal provided by researchers,
nivores Institute (IPC) and Manacá Institute collaborators and volunteers and used in
katia.ferraz@usp.br Pedro Scherer-Neto
Ornitology and Conservation the articles on the fire impacts (Pg 30) and
Kefany Ramalho Pedro Scherer Neto Foudation on the blue macaws resilience (Pg 36):
Biology and Conservation pedroschererneto@yahoo.com.br
Hyacinth Macaw Institute Andrea Garay – Geographic Informa-
kefyramalho@gmail.com Pierre-Cyril Renauld tion Systems Coordinator (SIG) WWF-Pa-
Sciences
Laíza de Queiroz Viana Braga Université de Angers en Francia raguay, Karim Musalem – Conservation
Ecology and Health (UMR CNRS 6554/LETG-Angers/UFR Scien- Coordinator WWF-Paraguay, Maria Edu-
Paraíba Federal University (PPGEMA/UFPB) ces) - pierre-cyril.renaud@univ-angers.fr
laizabraga@gmail.com arda Coelho – Conservation Technician
Pietro K. Maruyama WWF-Brasil, Patrícia Medici, National
Liana John Minas Gerais Federal University (UFMG)
Environmental Communication pietrokiyoshi@ufmg.br Initiative for the Brazilian Tapir Conserva-
Camirim Editorial tion and the Ecological Research Institute
liana.john@camirim.com.br Rafael Oliveira Fonseca
Mato Grosso do Sul State University (UEMS) Coordinator – INCAB/IPÊ, Thaishi Leonar-
Luciana Paes de Andrade do da Silva – Conservation Analyst WWF
Sciences and Zoology Rafaela Danielli Nicola
Fishes of Bonito Project and Wetlands International Blue Corridor Brasil, Victor Hugo Magallanes – WW-
Anhanguera-UNIDERP University Program / Women in Action in the F-Bolivia and Walfrido Moraes Tomas –
luciana.paes.andrade@gmail.com Pantanal (MUPAN)
rafaela.nicola.eco@gmail.com Embrapa Pantanal
Luciana Pinheiro Ferreira We also thank the following NGOs,
Ornitology and Conservation - Hyacinth Sandra Aparecida Santos
companies, farms, inns, research insti-
Macaw Institute - ferreira.lp29@gmail.com Zootechnics, Agronomy and
Landscape Ecology tutions, and wildlife refuges, for their
Marcos Antônio Moura Cristaldo Embrapa Pantanal
support in fighting fire fronts, rescuing
Ecologycal Economic Zoning sandra.santos@embrapa.br
Campo Grande Town Hall wild animals, supplying food and water
Thamy de Almeida Moreira
to survivors, and facilitating the field trip
Marcos Roberto Ferramosca Cardoso Veterinary Medicine
Veterinarian Medicine - Mato Grosso State En- Hyacinth Macaw Institute of the afore mentioned researchers:
vironment Secretary - ferramosca@gmail.com thamy.vet@gmail.com
Bioparc, Campanha Adote um Ninho
Neiva Maria Robaldo Guedes Thiago André Albuquerque Silva 2020, CRAS-MS, Documenta Pantanal,
Biology and Conservation Ecology and Zoology
Fazenda São Francisco de Perigara, Fio-
Hyacinth Macaw Institute and Universidad Paraíba Federal University (PPGCB/UFPB)
Anhanguera-UNIDERP thiagoandre.pb1@gmail.com cruz, Fundação OS, Fundação Toyota do
guedesneiva@gmail.com
Brasil, Galo da Manhã, Granado, Hotel Fa-
Walter Guedes da Silva
Olivier Pays Geography and Environmental Sustainability zenda Baía das Pedras, Instituto Solar dos
Sciences Mato Grosso do Sul State University (UEMS)
Abacaxis, Jogabilidade, Luan Santana, Neo-
Université de Angers in France (UMR CNRS guedes@uems.br
6554/LETG-Angers/UFR Sciences) energia, O Boticário , Parrots International,
olivier.pays@univ-angers.fr Wanessa Teixeira Gomes Barreto Refúgio Ecológico Caiman, RPPN SESC
Environmental Sciences, Agricultural
Osvaldo Barassi Gajardo Sustainability, Ecology and Conservation Pantanal, Sema-MT, Sicredi, SOS Panta-
Conservation – WWF-Brasil Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University nal, Universidade Anhanguera-UNIDERP,
svaldogajardo@wwf.org.br (UFMS)
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
Paula Hanna Walfrido Moraes Tomas (UFRGS), Whitley Fund for Nature, Wildlife
Conservation – WWF-Brasil Ecology and Conservation – Embrapa Panta-
paulavaldujo@wwf.org.br nal – walfrido.tomas@embrapa.br Studios, WWF-Brasil, Zoo de Zurich WCS.
VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 7
wild rice
Photo: Geraldo Alves Damasceno
ethnobotany
THE KNOWLEDGE AND
FLAVOR OF NATURAL
BIOCULTURAL ORCHARDS
Edible native plants enrich the Pantanal residents and visitors
diet and valuing traditional knowledge contributes to species
preservation and their multiple uses
BY IEDA MARIA BORTOLOTTO AND GERALDO ALVES DAMASCENO-JUNIOR
8 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021
People of various indige- ing true natural “orchards” with
Photo: Cyntia Santos
nous ethnicities live in the Pan- fruits, nuts, hearts of palm and
tanal, along with riverine and other edible parts. Such occur-
quilombola communities, rural rences contribute to the local hu-
producers, farmers and other man populations’ cultures: they
groups, who may or may not be are biocultural orchards.
considered traditional Pantanei- Some ethnobotanical main
ros (i.e., people of the Pantanal). studies carried out in communi-
This region in the South Amer- ties located along the Paraguay
ica central portion stands out River during the last two decades
because of its rich cultural her- resulted in scientific publications
itage that extends beyond four and community extension ac-
countries international bound- tions focused on valuing cul-
aries: Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay turally important plants. These
and Argentina. A rich biological Acuri include wild food plants that are
diversity is associated with the known and used by local people.
region’s cultural diversity, in- through species collection sur- The data for these studies
cluding plants common to the veys, identification of plants were obtained from interviews
Pantanal and to neighboring bi- with known uses and speci- with the communities adult resi-
omes: Cerrado, Chaco, Amazon mens deposits in herbaria. dents, accompanied by botanical
Forest and Atlantic Forest. Some A preliminary list for the collections in the Corumbá and
of the species are well known, entire Mato Grosso do Sul State, Porto Murtinho municipalities,
used and even cultivated by the in Brazil, developed by a re- Mato Grosso do Sul. In Corum-
local populations, together with searchers team from the Mato bá, residents from the Albuquer-
exotic plants, in small domestic Grosso do Sul Federal Universi- que, Castelo, Amolar and Guató
gardens or fields. ty (UFMS) estimated that there (indigenous) rural communities
The exact number of native are 294 native plants species participated. In Porto Murtinho,
food plants that occur within that can potentially be used for the studies included inhabitants
the international Pantanal lim- food. Among these, more than of rural and urban areas located
its is not known, nor are there 100 occur in the Pantanal, one of along the Paraguay River banks.
systematic studies in the Bra- the world’s largest inland flood- The interviewees demon-
zilian portion on the tradition- plains whose waters are drained strated knowledge about the
al knowledge associated with by the Paraguay River. use of 69 wild plant species for
the plants. Until the mid-1980s, Several food species are making oils and flours, or prepar-
the scholars’ attention was con- abundant among the vegeta- ing dishes and drinks that make
centrated mainly on records of tion physiognomies native to up part of their diet. Among the
wild food plants included in the the Pantanal, both in flooded drinks, teas, juices and “chichas”
indigenous populations diets. and non-flooded areas. Many were mentioned; the latter being
However, since the 1990s, stud- of them occur in vegetation for- a local name for artisanal fer-
ies have expanded to include mations dominated by a single mented beverages similar to beer.
non-indigenous communities species (monodominant), form- Among the most important
VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 9
Photo: Ieda Bortolotto Photo: Paulo Robson de Souza
Laranjinha-de-pacu”
(above), “bocaiúva” flour
(right) and “carandá”
(side page) enrich
the pantaneiros and
visitors’diet
native food plants species, palm consumption of these wild food to elderly community members.
trees predominate: “bocaiuva” plants, passing down knowl- In Corumbá, for communi-
(Acrocomia aculeata), for its oil, edge about them orally from ties farthest from urban centers,
pulp, heart of palm and flour, generation to generation. the number of native food plants
and “carandá” (Copernicia alba), However, despite some plant known and used is greater than
for its edible fruits, although species have local importance, those known and used in com-
they are under appreciated and traditional knowledge about munities closer to cities. This
seldom consumed. What gives them is in an eroding process, or shows how proximity to com-
these plants their cultural val- has been lost already. This is the mercial markets influences and
ue is the wealth of associated case for wild rice (Oryza spp.), reduces the wild plant species
knowledge and practices that whose use by indigenous peo- use. There are also plants whose
are maintained by local com- ples has several records in his- medicinal use is more important
munities. In addition to pro- torical literature, but cultivation than its value as a food, as is the
viding food, these plants have and even harvesting are no lon- case for “jatobá” (Hymenaea spp.)
medicinal, aromatic and tim- ger practiced. Also, the practices used by the riverine communi-
ber-related uses; they serve as to obtain a variety of oils, drinks ties along the Paraguay River.
fish bait and are used in religious and flours from the wild rice Even so, there are still
rituals. For centuries, tradition- were mentioned in interviews as well-preserved areas with plen-
al populations have maintained “ways of the past”, and today the ty of native food plant resources
the extractivism practices and practices are mainly known only that enrich the Pantaneiro diets.
10 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021There are also still communities
Photo: Rosa Helena da Silva
with a knowledge wealth about
native plants. Not to mention,
there is potential for communi-
ties to gain economically from
marketing food plants, espe-
cially abundant species, such
as those found in monodomi-
nant vegetation formations. So,
with the objectives to value food
plants; encourage the conserva-
tion and sustainable use of wild
plant species and stimulate the nities where the research was “acuri” (Attalea phalerata) and
income generation to improve carried out and have included 14 “laranjinha-de-pacu” (Poute-
the life quality in the commu- municipalities in the Cerrado/ ria glomerata) are prominent.
nities, several actions were pro- Pantanal region during the peri- There are several governmental
posed and developed within od from 2006 to 2020. and non-governmental institu-
the “Programa Sabores” (Flavors Annually, “Programa Sabores” tions implementing projects to
Program) scope. promotes a course on food plants strengthen and organize com-
“Programa Sabores” is a native to the Pantanal and Cer- munities and support extractive
UFMS community extension rado and counts on the partici- activities.
program whose objective is pation of students and residents The Pantaneiros ability to
to value food plants from the from regional communities. The rescue neglected practices and
Pantanal and Cerrado. Program extension team also created a knowledge that still exists with-
activities are developed in col- products kit in collaboration with in their communities has ad-
laboration with several rural the communities, such as a cook- vanced the specialized edible
community partners, including book, postcards and calendars. plants use in recent years. It has
schools. Culinary workshops These products are free of charge also progressed due to the will-
are organized, producing dishes and are distributed to workshop ingness of communities, and es-
and drinks from recipes devel- and course participants. pecially women, to take control
oped by the communities or by With these extension pro- of their activities by organizing
the extension team. To incen- gram actions support, traditional and investing in autonomy. The
tivize consumption and com- communities residents already wild food speces conservation
mercialization, workshops are produce and sell frozen pulps, and the traditional knowledge
offered on good hygiene prac- jellies, flours, oils and other food maintenance are fundamental
tices, harvesting and post-har- products. Among the abun- to sovereignty and the food and
vesting techniques, guidance on dant plants involved in actions Pantanal communities’ nutri-
the fruits nutritional value and to incentivize use by the com- tional security. And, it will ensure
others. Program activities have munities, “bocaiuva” (Acroco- that fundamental resources re-
extended beyond the commu- mia spp.), wild rice (Oryza spp.), main abundant for native fauna.
VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 11valuation
THE “PANTANEIRO”,
A HORSE OF
EXTRAORDINARY VALUE
Unique multifunctional breed adapted to environmental extremes;
excellent performance handling livestock, providing transportation,
giving tourists horseback rides and competing in sporting events
BY SANDRA APARECIDA SANTOS AND FÁBIO TAKAHASHI
Hearty, tough and resilient, Breeders Association (ABCCP) heat as well as drought; traverse
Pantaneiro horses are ideal- was created in Poconé, Mato areas with dense vegetation;
ly adapted for handling cattle, Grosso with the fundamental approach a majority of wild an-
whether during flood and dry aims to promote, select and im- imals calmly; their hooves re-
seasons peaks, or during the prove the breed. sist humidity during long rides
nuanced conditions that appear Valuable genetic traits ac- through wetlands, and they are
mid-cycle between seasonal quired during the natural selec- able to find forage and sustain
peaks. A descendent of equines tion long process gave the Pan- themselves for long periods in
brought from the Iberian Penin- taneiro horse the exceptional flooded environments.
sula to Brazil during the coloni- characteristics, such as adapt- These characteristics make
zation period, the horse has un- ability, toughness and function- the Pantaneiro horse a general-
dergone centuries of adaptation ality. They are animals that are ist and multifunctional animal,
in a dynamic and complex en- resistant to diseases and even able to live and work in a wide
vironment with extreme tem- thrive in areas subjected to variety of environments and
peratures. It was recognized as limited resources and environ- cattle production systems. To
a unique breed in 1972 when mental disturbances (episod- maintain this adaptability, it is
the Brazilian Pantaneiro Horse ic or persistent). They tolerate necessary to ensure the genet-
12 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021Photo: Sandra Santos
ic stability and breed diversity trail riding, they have even equestrian competitions, most
through appropriate conser- greater value for demonstrating prominently in Technical Las-
vation, selection and breeding how traditional cattle ranching soing, Long Lassoing, Team
management. can be practiced in harmony Penning (separation of certain
Bred semi-extensively with biodiversity. cows from the herd) and Ranch
among large rural properties, Because of their versatili- Sorting (selection and direc-
the Pantaneiro horse is eco- ty and functional characteris- tion of cattle to pens/corrals),
nomically important in the tics, the Pantaneiro horse has among others.
Pantanal. It is essential for han- attracted buyers from several One important factor in
dling cattle; is one of the prin- regions in Brazil, mainly for these competitions is the inter-
cipal transportation means for their utility in handling cat- action between horse and rider,
local populations (especially tle, but also for other activities, a relationship of trust developed
during flood periods) and is like equotherapy, trail rides and during training and also during
seen as a local culture sym- sporting events. The Pantaneiro free time and the animals’ dai-
bol to the Pantanal visitors. On horse’s agility and its ability to ly care. The breed inclusion in
ranches with tourism opera- read cattle, i.e., its “cow sense”, sporting events encourages
tions offering horseback and has encouraged its inclusion in family participation – especial-
VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 13Photo: Sandra Santos
ly by young adults and children Pantaneiro horses feed
– and it helps guarantee conti- mainly on native forage spe-
nuity, promoting the the breed cies, which are highly-sustain-
conservation for future gen- able renewable resources in
erations. To reinforce the Pan- the region. This is because the
taneiro horse functional value native pastures growth does
in sporting events, their par- not require fossil fuel inputs.
ticipation should be promoted This extraordinary breed ani-
through sponsorships. mals also maintain the habit of
In the Pantanal, the horse consuming aquatic plants, such
is especially important for as the water lily (Nymphaea
handling cattle when flooding gardneriana), taking advantage
occurs, as it is one of the few of the Pantanal’s diverse floral
breeds to have humidity re- resources.
sistant hooves. This valuable In order to adequately ap-
external supplies in the service
service is appreciated more by preciate the Pantaneiro horse
performance.
ranchers who insist on regis- functional work, it is useful to
For such analysis, it was
tering their animals with the carry out an emergetic analysis,
first necessary to define a pro-
ABCCP. However, it should be a systems-level procedure that
duction system, with its energy
appreciated more widely by assesses the energy required
input and output flows. The 100
ranchers in the region, because to perform a service – in this
hectares fenced study area cho-
it is a breed that is easy to care case, handling cattle – through
sen in the Pantanal comprise
for and requires few purchased quantification of the contribu-
forest, cerrado (a more open
external supplies for it upkeep. tions from natural capital and
forest formation) and savanna
14 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021sections with approximately between renewable energy native pasture, or other supplies
30% consisting of native pas- and total energy, which pro- and services.
ture. The area held 17 Pantanei- vides an estimate of the service Another index estimated
ro service horses. Native forage sustainability. In this case study, was the service quantification,
species that only require the renewability was 64%. In other in “emergy dollars” per hectare.
sun, rain and soil nutrients (a words, for the semi-extensive In monetary terms, the value of
renewable resource in the Pan- production system evaluat- the cattle handling service per-
tanal) to grow were the main formed by a Pantaneiro horse
food sources for the animals (a Useful for handling was 603.53 emergy dollars per
provisioning ecosystem ser- livestock (bottom left), hectare/year. This estimate in-
vices example). The only ex- even in flooded areas (side cluded only cattle handling
ternal supplies and services page), the Pantaneiro horse while, in reality, Pantaneiro
needed for the study consisted (bottom) is also a good horses also provide many other
of vaccines, medications, tools, option in transport, tourism, services, such as transportation,
fencing and labor. The service leisure and in competitions tourism support and leisure.
provided (handling cattle) could Results show the function-
Photo: Sandra Santos Photo: Sandra Santos
have internal (management ed, the horses primarily used al services extraordinary value
unit/farm) or external (com- natural resources, transform- provided by Pantaneiro horses
mercialization) output flows. ing native forage species into maintained on native pasture
Based on the energy inputs a functional service (handling by rural producers. Undoubt-
and outputs analysis from the cattle). Of course, renewability edly, assessing these services
study area, it was possible to depends on the production sys- value will contribute to green
estimate several emergetic in- tem used to maintain the hors- technology benefits quantifi-
dices. One is the renewability es and will be affected by fac- cation associated with sustain-
index, that is, the relationship tors like the proportional use of able ranching systems.
VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 15fauna
OCELOT, BIG
OCELOT, WILDCAT
OR LITTLE JAGUAR?
Discover the “spotted cat” most common species in the
Pantanal and its strong influence on prey and smaller felines
BY HENRIQUE VILLAS BOAS CONCONE, ANDRESSA ROCHA FRAGA, ÉRICA FERNANDA G. GOMES DE
SÁ, THIAGO ANDRÉ ALBUQUERQUE SILVA, LAÍZA DE QUEIROZ VIANA BRAGA, FABIANA LOPES ROCHA,
KATIA MARIA PASCHOALETTO MICCHI DE BARROS FERRAZ AND PEDRO CORDEIRO ESTRELA
Wild animals’ common (almost 50 times more). In Bra- And wildcat or forest cat is used
names tend to be different re- zil, they are all called ocelot, big for any feline with a spotted
gionally within a country, and ocelot, wildcat or little jaguar, coat seen at a glance amid the
even locally within a region. generalizations that generate vegetation.
The most obvious exception is confusion when identifying the To complicate matters, nat-
for “spotted” cats. Even though species, especially during local ural variation in size occurs
there are six distinct species in residents’ interviews for prelim- among adult individuals of the
Brazil, they are often given the inary assessments on these an- same species. The ocelot (Leop-
same generic common names imals’ occurrence in particular ardus pardalis) is the third larg-
throughout the country. It ecosystems. est feline species in Brazil after
doesn’t matter if you’re talking These names use, in fact, the jaguar (Panthera onca) and
about the smallest species – seems to obey criteria related the puma (Puma concolor). An
the oncilla or “small-wildcat” – to size: if the animal is not big adult individual can measure
weighing on average just 2.5 kg, enough to be a jaguar, it is called between 1 to 1.4 meters in length
or the largest species – the jag- a big ocelot or little jaguar. If it is from the snout tip to the tail tip,
uar – that weighs up to 120 kg a bit smaller, it is called ocelot. while its weight can vary from 8
16 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021Foto: Felipe Peters
The ocelot is the third
largest feline in Brazil,
just behind the jaguar
(bottom right) and the
puma (bottom left)
Foto: Adriano Gambarini Foto: Edir Alves
to 16 kg! There are also differenc- cies and, possibly, the most tis, pacas and armadillos. They
es between the sexes, males be- abundant, both on the Pantanal occasionally feed on animals
ing, on average, 25% larger than floodplain and in the bordering larger than themselves, such
females. Therefore, it is easy to Cerrado highlands. One of the as gray brocket deer or great-
understand when there is skep- most likely explanations for its er rheas. These feeding habits
ticism about species sightings abundance is its intermediate may avoid intense disputes with
or confusion related to common size, which increases the oce- jaguars over food, while allevi-
names. lot’s ability to adapt to different ating competition for food with
The ocelot is widely dis- situations. Ocelots hunt small smaller feline species. Accord-
tributed in Brazil and in the mammals, birds, lizards, snakes ing to several studies, even in ar-
Pantanal. It is one of the most and fish, but they also catch me- eas where jaguars are abundant,
commonly sighted feline spe- dium-sized prey such as agou- ocelots are present, often in high
VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 17Foto: Felipe Peters
numbers. However, where oce-
lots are abundant, smaller “spot-
ted” cat species typically occur
in low numbers or may be ab-
sent.
The phenomenon of ocelots
“bullying” smaller feline species
has been termed the “parda-
lis effect”, highlighting the idea
that ocelots are dominant over
smaller cats. This dominance
may be one of the most import- Foto: Felipe Peters
ant ecological forces structuring
medium-sized predators and
their prey communities.
Felines are obligate carni-
vores, that is, they feed exclu-
sively on other animals. There-
fore, during their prey searches,
greater competition with other
carnivores is expected. The more
“similar” the carnivores are, the dent: where ocelots are abundant, and predator avoidance.
greater the competition should smaller cats are less common. All of the smaller “spotted”
be. In simple terms, the largest This is especially true for cat species preferentially inhabit
species dominate the environ- small “spotted” cats: margay forests and are active at night, so
ment (and prey supplies) to the (Leopardus wiedii), southern ti- they come under the “pardalis
detriment of the smallest: where grina (Leopardus guttulus), little effect” influence. The jaguarundi
jaguars are abundant, pumas are spotted cat (Leopardus tigrinus) is also a forest dependent spe-
less common, and where jaguars and Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus cies, but it is active during the
are less common or absent, pu- geoffroyi), while this effect is less daytime. Pantanal cats frequent
mas are more abundant. How- pronounced for small cats that open areas, like native grass-
ever, neither of the two larger are not spotted, like the Pantanal lands and wetlands, seldom us-
cat species appears to have a cats (Leopardus braccatus and ing forested environments. So,
significant impact on the ocelot, L. munoai) and the jaguarundi these two “unspotted” felines
whose variation in abundance (Puma yagouaroundi). Spotted are able to avoid the “pardalis
seems to be much more related to coat patterns are usually asso- effect”, either by being active
the prey availability, rather than ciated with cats inhabiting for- when ocelots are not, or by in-
to the larger felines presence. In ested habitats, serving as cam- habiting environments that are
contrast, the impact of ocelots on ouflage among the vegetation seldom used by the ocelots.
smaller feline species is quite evi- while facilitating prey searches The ocelot plays a funda-
18 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021Foto: Adriano Gambarini
If the ocelot is abundant,
there are fewer small
cats, such as the margay
(side page top); the
jaguarundi (left); the
Geoffroy’s cat (side page
bottom); the southern
tigrina (below), and
the Pantanal cat (well
below)
Foto: Felipe Peters
mental role in terrestrial eco-
systems that make up the
environments mosaic in the
Pantanal: including wetland
margins, forests and savannahs.
Its presence is vital for main-
taining the ecological process-
es dynamics through its inter-
actions with a huge diversity
of prey, larger predators and a
range of competitors.
The ocelot conservation sta-
Foto: Felipe Peters
tus in the Pantanal has not yet
been systematically assessed.
But, overall, the environmental
health of the Pantanal is bet-
ter than it is for neighboring
biomes, such as the Cerrado
and Atlantic Forest. Therefore,
it is likely that the ocelot con-
servation status is also better
in the Pantanal. For long-term
conservation purposes, ocelot accompany rivers and other as in cultivated areas, but they
populations will depend on the aquatic environments in the predominantly use forested
remaining forests fragments Upper Paraguay River Basin habitats.
maintenance in the bordering (BAP). Ocelots are able to range Based on a large number of
Cerrado highlands and espe- and hunt in a variety of native recurring ocelot records that
cially on riparian corridors that vegetation formations, as well were documented on a ranch
VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 19Foto: Érica Gomes Foto: Érica Gomes
with cattle and tourism activi- source for the ocelots. landscape agricultural portions,
ties in the Rio Miranda Pantanal In 2004, after the initial is this due to the small rodents
region, the site was chosen for studies were completed, the abundance in rice fields, or is
launching the Ocelot Project. Ocelot Project continued to doc- this also related to the native
Initially, studies focused on the ument records of the species vegetation remnants proximity
diet and local occurrence of the through photographs, videos on which the species depends?
species. These studies lasted and direct observations. Start- For long-lived carnivorous
two years (2002 to 2004) and ing in 2005, the ranch’s local mammals with large ranges
contributed to a Master’s degree guides team began filling out – like ocelots and crab-eating
awarded by the Mato Grosso do faunal observation forms af- foxes (Cerdocyon thous) – can
Sul Federal University (UFMS). ter nocturnal safaris to observe landscape-level changes in the
A surprising result from the wildlife (initiated in 1996). The Pantanal affect their health? Can
study was the numerous ocelot data collected by these citizen these changes, for example, alter
individuals sightings registered scientists between 2005 and ecological interactions between
in irrigated rice fields, which, 2018 showed the same trends hosts and parasites?
previous to the study, were con- for ocelots observed during the To answer these questions,
sidered inhospitable habitats for 2002-2004 UFMS study. new field activities with com-
a forest associated species. In a After completing these stud- plementary objectives were
little over a year during 103 noc- ies, the project began to focus launched. The ocelots popula-
turnal wildlife surveys, there on new questions. Are the high tion size was estimated based
were 81 records of ocelots (79%). numbers of ocelot sightings due on annual camera-trap samples
Studies of their diet revealed to the presence of many individ- obtained at 45 to 60 locations
that 80% of the items found in uals (i.e., a high density popula- distributed among the differ-
ocelot feces were small rodent tion), or to repeated observations ent environments range on the
remains. This led to the hypoth- of a few ocelots that are accli- ranch, including rice fields, live-
esis that the rice fields were mated to humans presence? If stock areas and natural habitats.
providing an abundant rodents the ocelots density is high in the Thanks to the unique fur coat
20 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021patterns of each ocelot – similar population size, such as survival, wild mammal species were re-
to a “fingerprint” – it is possi- longevity, birth and mortality. corded. Only 5 species were re-
ble to identify individuals from Preliminary project data sponsible for 70% of the records:
camera-trap photos and esti- analyses show that the ocelots ocelot (591 images), marsh deer
mate the animals total number population density is between (Blastocerus dichotomus, 551),
in an area (population density) 29 and 66 individuals per 100 capybara (Hydrochoerus hydro-
using mathematical models. In km² (10,000 hectares). This esti- chaeris, 470), jaguar (393) and
addition, the same mathemati- mate is consistent with the hy- crab-eating fox (375).
cal models can be used, for ex- pothesis that a large population More recently, live trapping
ample, to examine relationships inhabits the study region. For was used to investigate the po-
between differences in the num- future analyses, these estimates tential ocelot prey. The live traps
ber of individuals registered in will be refined (to reduce uncer- were distributed among multi-
different environments with the tainty in the results), and both ple locations in agricultural and
number of available prey. the effect of prey abundance native habitat areas. The small
Using the photos database and spatial variation among en- mammals captured were se-
and direct observations ob- vironments will be evaluated. dated, measured, weighed and
tained over the last 15 years, at In addition to information biological samples were collect-
least 65 different ocelots were collected about ocelots, the ed. Small metallic earrings for
identified in the study region, camera-trap data was used identification were also placed
some over consecutive years. In to carry out a systematic sur- on the captured animals before
they were released. Similar to
the camera trap analyses, based
on the number of captures and
recaptures of different individ-
uals and species, mathematical
Most common ocelot
prey: Chacoan marsh
rat (side page left), agile
gracile opossum (side
page right) and gray
Foto: Érica Gomes four-eyed opossum (left)
fact, one of the females
remained in the same area from vey of medium- to large-sized models were used to estimate
2006 until the most recent sur- mammals in the area, help- population densities and spe-
vey in 2019. Long-term data like ing us understand how other cies abundances in the sam-
these are very important and re- species use the available en- pling areas.
quire continuous field sampling vironments. During two con- From a total sampling effort
efforts. These data can be used to secutive years of camera-trap of 9,480 trap-nights, 314 individ-
evaluate parameters other than monitoring, 3,400 photos of 26 uals from 9 species were regis-
VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 21tered. Two of the species stood 1.5% and 3%, that is, on average, 300 g), Azara’s agouti (Dasyproc-
out in terms of abundance, rep- only 2 to 3 individuals are cap- ta azarae, 3 kg), the spotted paca
resenting more than 55% of the tured per 100 traps. (Cuniculus paca, 7.5 kg), in addi-
total registered individuals: the Although a number of the tion to ground birds, such as the
Chacoan marsh rat (Holochilus small mammal species were undulated tinamou (Crypturellus
chacarius) and the agile grac- registered in both the rice fields undulatus, 800 g) and the bare-
ile opossum (Gracilinanus agi- and in native vegetation habitats, faced curassow (Crax fasciolata,
lis). The other species registered the Chacoan marsh rat was more 3 kg), all of which were recorded
were the mamore arboreal rice rat abundant in the rice fields, while frequently in camera traps.
(Oecomys mamorae), the Cerra- the agile gracile opossum pre- For ocelot and other wildlife
do climbing mouse (Rhipidomys dominated in native vegetation health investigations, field pro-
macrurus), the hairy-tailed bolo habitats. So, the Chacoan marsh cedures included capturing and
mouse (Necromys lasiurus), the rat is an ideal prey for ocelots in anesthetizing of medium-sized
gray four-eyed opossum (Philan- rice fields due to their high avail- carnivores for biometric mea-
der opossum), the Brazilian guin- ability (many individuals) and surements, clinical examina-
ea pig (Cavia aperea), Agricola’s their size (average adult weight tions and biological samples
gracile opossum (Cryptonanus between 115 g and 150 g). In na- collection, i.e., blood, hair and
agricolai) and a rodent of the ge- tive habitat areas on the ranch, ticks. During the procedures,
nus Cerradomys. a more varied diet of abundant captured animals were hydrated
In some rice field plots, the lower-weight small mammals and allowed to recover from an-
live-trap capture success rate was available: about 30 g for the esthetic effects in shaded traps.
reached 11%, meaning that for agile gracile opossum and 70 g After complete recovery, they
every 100 traps placed daily, 11 for the mamore arboreal rice rat. were released at the same site
animals were captured! For com- In these native areas, other spe- where they were captured. Of 13
parison, in the Atlantic Forest, cies may be preyed upon more captured ocelots, four were adult
the capture rate for small mam- frequently, such as the gray four- males (average weight: 12.3 kg)
mals typically varies between eyed opossum (average weight and seven were adult females
HEALTH ISSUES
Most of the ocelots and crab-eating foxes cap- evaluated. On average, ocelots were infected by 6.7
tured for biomedical collections by the Ocelot Project hemoparasites per animal. Crab-eating foxes infec-
presented clinical symptoms, such as dehydration, tions were lower at 4.3 hemoparasites per animal.
anemia and low body scores (i.e., a fat and muscles Among the hemoparasites detected, it is worth
evaluation indicating an animal’s energy reserves). highlighting those with significant health implica-
Fourteen of the 20 hemoparasites investigated were tions – for wildlife, domestic animals or humans –
detected in one individual animal, and at least two of such as the rabies virus and the bacteria that causes
the parasites were detected in all other individuals leptospirosis (whose main urban hosts are rodents).
22 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021(9.4 kg). A large female cub and tact between parasites and hosts on assessing the agrochemical
a young nearly-adult male were may be increased due to the rice exposure and prey species para-
also caught. Among the 12 cr- fields – both for prey and pred- sites effects. Field activities will
ab-eating foxes captured, there ators, potentially increasing the also continue with felines using
were 5 adults (3 males with an parasite transmission rate. GPS collars annual monitoring.
average weight of 9.4 kg and 2 These factors may explain Focused on ocelots and small
females with an average weight the poor health conditions ob- mammals populations, the GPS
of 6.3 kg), four sub-adults (3 served for many captured ani- collar monitoring will provide
males and 1 female) and 3 kits (2 mals, but further investigations more in-depth information on
males and 1 female). are needed. For example, a rel- range use. Next steps for the
For the captured carnivores, evant factor to consider is the Ocelot Project will depend not
20 parasites that circulate in the agrochemicals use, a common only on essential continued sup-
bloodstream (hemoparasites) practice in many agricultural port from the partner ranch, but
were investigated using specif- areas. These products can weak- also on establishment of new
ic tests. The parasites included en immunity in exposed indi- partnerships that advance re-
species of public health impor- viduals, and therefore have the search efforts.
tance, e.g., the causative agents potential to negatively affect The project expects to in-
of leptospirosis and leishman- the animals health in the study crease knowledge about the
iasis, as well as others, such as region. The risk is even great- investigated wildlife, providing
the rabies virus that represents er for carnivores like the ocelot important information that can
a threat to species conserva- whose exposure increases in- be applied by public and pri-
tion. On one hand, rice cultiva- directly through consumption vate sector decision makers to
tion appears to favor the ocelots of prey species that are also ex- improve production areas man-
maintenance and abundance, posed to the agrochemicals (i.e., agement. The aim is to reconcile
due to the small rodents large bioaccumulation). The Ocelot agricultural production goals
population in the fields. On the Project will continue to investi- with the Pantanal’s precious
other hand, it appears that con- gate wildlife health with a focus biodiversity conservation.
All the carnivores evaluated showed positive, lence and titers were high, with about 70% of
but low titer, serological test results for rabies. individuals positive. Important leptospirosis
These results indicated exposure to the virus symptoms are related to renal dysfunction, and
without clinical rabies manifestations, since eight of the seropositive animals showed al-
several of the sampled animals were recorded tered values of urea and/or creatinine, indicating
by camera traps more than 120 days after par- kidney function problems. These health issues
asite collections (120 days being the maximum deserve greater attention. Analyses should be
survival period for an animal with clinical rabies expanded and refined with the aim of guiding
manifestations). possible initiatives that help maintain the hu-
With respect to Leptospira sp., both preva- mans, domestic animals and wildlife health.
VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 23sustainability
NATURAL PRODUCTS
COMMERCIALIZED
CONSCIENTIOUSLY
Sustainable Business
Photo: Wetlands International
Development in the
Pantanal values people,
their knowledge and
customs
BY CYNTIA CAVALCANTE
SANTOS, RAFAELA DANIELLI
NICOLA, ÁUREA DA SILVA GARCIA Small-scale tourism favors
AND JULIO FRANCISCO ALVES
FERNANDES low-impact activities
Sustainable businesses are international) dimensions. In this guá) among other non-indigenous
reaching niche markets more and manner, sustainable businesses people, such as riverine and qui-
more, driven by a society that is will value people, their knowl- lombola communities. Through-
increasingly attentive and will- edge and customs. out the occupation history, all of
ing to opt for sustainable products The Pantanal is the largest these communities have contrib-
consumption. Despite continual contiguous continental wetland uted to the wealth of knowledge
challenges, there are efforts being on the planet and, on its own, still that exists about plants, animals
advanced by legal bodies that are maintains large well-conserved and the natural flooding regime,
having impacts through adaptive areas and healthy ecological in- as well as to knowledge about
planning and management in- teractions, enabling the develop- their own community dynamics,
corporation into human (sustain- ment of a variety of sustainable i.e., cultural diversity, customs and
able business) activities. products and services. However, traditions passed down over sev-
In addition to concerns about to create truly sustainable busi- eral generations. Although these
natural resources management, nesses and markets for the prod- communities also influence the
discussions on sustainability ucts and services, collective ef- Pantanal landscape, for the most
should include a society’s prob- forts are needed. part, they coexist harmoniously
lems holistic view. Beyond the The human presence in the with the region’s biodiversity.
environmental, economic and Pantanal – registered since the Geographically, the Brazilian
social factors tripod, other com- 16th century – includes several Pantanal encompasses 23 mu-
plementary aspects to consider ethnic indigenous groups (Guai- nicipalities in two states: Mato
include: cultural, ecological, ter- kuru, Kadiwéu, Aruak, Guarani, Grosso (MT) and Mato Grosso do
ritorial and political (national and Guató, Meridional Kaiapó, Paya- Sul (MS). The principal economic
24 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL VOLUME 06 | 2021activities include cattle ranching, outside the region. Another prod- associated with these programs is
fishing, tourism and mining. On uct that is becoming more widely linked to educational background
the highlands that border the Pan- available is meat from the Pantanal and greater awareness on the con-
tanal floodplain, the predominant caiman (Caiman yacare) that is sumers part. However, to achieve
activity is ongoing large-scale marketed by two businesses with success, these efforts will need to
cattle ranching and agricultural sustainable caiman harvesting provide additional support for pro-
operations expansion. However, systems in the Corumbá (MS) and ducers in order to create a steady
small-scale economic activities Cáceres (MT) municipalities. demand for the products and set
are also gaining ground, mainly Commercializing honey from final costs (because comparisons
due to tourism, as is the case with the Pantanal is also being consid- between organic and conventional
the sale indigenous handicrafts ered as a diversifying production products have a strong influence on
and regional foods. means. It stands out as a sustain- consumer decisions).
On varying sizes rural prop- able activity due to the wild plants Product certification efforts en-
erties, efforts are being made species variety that are visited by courage increased production and
to organize and review current native bees and for being free from provide opportunities for producers
practices with the aim of finding agrochemical contamination, as to obtain eco-friendly (sustainabil-
alternatives that increase produc- pesticide exposed crops are gener- ity) product labels, which are im-
tivity while reducing impacts on ally grown outside of the Pantanal. portant for guaranteeing access to
natural environments. Focusing Since 2015 in the southern Pan- niche markets. By developing prod-
on cattle ranching, for example, tanal, a certification has been used uct certifications for organic and
producers are trying to optimize to differentiate locally produced sustainable production, new more
natural forage resources while honey: an indication of origin is efficient forms of using renew-
taking environmental limits, bio- provided by the Instituto Industrial able natural resources will emerge,
diversity maintenance and Pan- Property National Institute (INPI) creating opportunities to improve
tanal ecosystem resilience into based on regulations established sustainability across entire supply
consideration. The main objective by researchers, beekeepers and chains, e.g., during the phases that
is to increase the production sys- beekeeping associations. occur on Pantanal properties, such
tems sustainability, either through Although very recent, projects as adopting best practices for live-
monetization strategies, origin rec- using organic and sustainable al- stock management and ecotourism.
ognition or through the creation of ternatives are attempting to recon- Due to the unique characteris-
eco-friendly (sustainability) labels cile the productivity maintenance tics of the Pantanal, development of
that increase a product or service with natural environments protec- sustainable products and services
profitability. tion. Most of the projects originate will require a dynamic process of
With respect to local com- from partnerships between private planning and promotion of best
merce, many fruits and seeds stand initiatives and civil society organi- production practices, as well as on-
out, such as coconuts of the “bo- zations. These partnerships have going monitoring and evaluation at
caiuva”, “buriti” and “acuri” palms. developed out of a growing interest each stage of the process. From en-
Some fruits, such as “guavira” and reflected in public policies and eco- vironmental, economic and social
“jatobá”, are commonly found at nomic development programs that points of view, this is the best way
organic product fairs, even reach- are facilitating the new arrange- to guarantee effective development
ing niche markets in larger cities ments. The products consumption of sustainable production.
VOLUME 06 | 2021 CIÊNCIA PANTANAL 25You can also read
