Urgent appeal to save and expand remnant Atlantic Rainforest

02/10/2012 09:57:30 Strategic Protection of the Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil
September 2012. The lush rainforest carpeting Serra Bonita mountain range in eastern Brazil represents the last significant example of a unique habitat that supports rare and endemic flora and fauna. The area is at the heart of an urgent conservation initiative by World Land Trust (WLT) and Instituto Uiracu to strategically purchase private properties to expand the Serra Bonita Reserve.

Staggering biodiversity
Wildlife surveys across an area roughly five times the area of Central Park in New York City have found 458 species of trees, 330 species of birds, and the world's greatest diversity of moths and butterflies with a staggering 5,000 species at one site (more species than all of North America), while 12,000-15,000 species of butterflies and moths are estimated to live here.

Critically Endangered Yellow-breasted capuchin
In addition, the area is home to four primate species including the Critically Endangered Yellow-breasted capuchin. WLT-US wants to assist Instituto Uiracu with the purchase and protection of 332 acres to expand the existing protected areas to a total of 5,000 acres.

Through the incorporation of these new lands this reserve will prevent the further destruction of this unique habitat, which contains the highest levels of biological diversity and endemism in Brazil. As part of one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world- Atlantic rainforests- it is currently considered as one of the highest priorities for global conservation efforts.

The properties being sold around the reserve are prime lands for deforestation and agriculture development. There is a high risk that farming cooperatives will acquire these properties if we do not act soon. Rich forest areas that are ideal for farming are often very expensive in Brazil, but our partner has negotiated prices of around $450 per acre. Urgent action is required- please help us safeguard this amazing region and all of its biodiversity.

Serra Bonita Reserve
The Serra Bonita Reserve is an innovative conservation model comprising an assemblage of private properties totaling 4,400 acres and located in the Serra Bonita Mountain Range. Instituto Uiracu was created to manage and expand this reserve with the long term goal of protecting the whole Serra Bonita Mountain Range, located 25 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean and 10 miles from the small town of Camacan (pop. 23,892), and within a transition zone between tropical evergreen rainforest to semi-deciduous tropical forest. It comprises of important lowland to pre-montane Atlantic Forest between 600 - 3,100 feet elevation.

Logging and hunting
Serra Bonita's distribution of protected native forests provide an important refuge to many animal species that have benefited from the conservation efforts begun in 2003. Prior to that time logging and hunting were commonplace, and had been for decades. Ancient hardwoods rich in epiphytic life were felled and native palms were cut to obtain their edible "hearts", thereby depriving the forest's animals of their dependable, abundant and important supply of palm nuts. Traps and snares for wildlife in the forests were commonplace, as were hunters roaming with firearms in search of peccaries, agoutis, and armadillos. Spider and woolly monkeys were another common target, with "muriqui", becoming locally extirpated.

This situation has been reversed over the past nine years of active conservation and many threatened species have returned to the Serra Bonita. The puma (Felis concolor), is now common and its presence demonstrates that these prey species numbers have increased. Frequently seen primates include the capuchin, marmoset, and the titi monkeys. The Yellow-breasted capuchin (Cebus xanthosternos) populations have increased substantially since the SBR was established. Groups are frequently seen (up to 28!!) around the research centre and lodge, as well as by the rangers in other parts of the reserve. A group of the Golden-headed Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) has also been observed.