Category: Saving Nature Collection

Planting Trees and Hope in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil

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Planting Trees and Hope in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil

Veronika Perková, Journalist & Host of the podcast Nature Solutionaries sits down with Micaela Locke, REGUA’s  Research and Communications Coordinator to talk about her family’s dedication to Brazil’s “other” rainforest.

When Micaela Locke, a young Brazilian conservationist, speaks about her work at Guapiaçu Nature Reserve, she is radiant. No wonder. It’s rare to come across such a nice conservation story. Her family’s property, which could have been turned into a condominium or a factory back in the 1990s, has instead become a vibrant 11,000-hectare nature reserve buzzing with wildlife. 

In this interview, Micaela Locke talks about protecting biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest in Brazil and creating a corridor for wildlife by planting trees sourced from seeds the surrounding rainforest. 

Welcome, Micaela! While the Amazon is the largest and best-known rainforest in Latin America, the Atlantic Forest rarely makes it into the headlines of international news. And yet, it’s incredibly important for global biodiversity conservation. Can you briefly describe why it is so unique?

The Atlantic Forest is among the biologically richest and most diverse forests in the world with high levels of fauna and flora, which is found nowhere else on the planet. Its mosaic of different ecosystems ranges from humid, dry and coastal forests to mangroves. The forest is home to around 20,000 species of plants and 2,100 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Some of the region’s most iconic animals, such as pumas, ocelots, tapirs and woolly spider monkeys, live in the Atlantic Forest.

This incredible biodiversity is under threat because it’s estimated that less than 16% of the forest cover remains today. How can we best protect what’s left and prevent further degradation?

Thanks to the Atlantic Forest National Law created in 2006 and the creation of parks, illegal logging and poaching have decreased throughout the country. People know that if they cut a tree, they will be prosecuted. So I believe the best solution is to turn the remaining forests into parks, which is already happening across Brazil. In the state of Rio de Janeiro, around 30% of the original forest cover (1 million hectares) is already legally protected by the Atlantic Forest National Law.

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A Vision for the Future

REGUA protects over 11,000 hectares of the Atlantic Forest in the Guapiaçu watershed. How did you manage to create such a big protected area?

It all began with my great grandfather, who moved from Germany to Rio de Janeiro state in 1895. He established his business (a silk factory) in Petropolis and bought land in the Guapiaçu watershed.  The third generation understood the relevance of protecting the remaining forest within the property and decided to create a private nature reserve in the late 1990’s.

What an interesting story! Since then REGUA has been protecting the forest and its biodiversity by expanding the nature reserve through land acquisition and partnership agreements, right?

Yes. In 2002, we increased the size of the reserve to 2,000 hectares. That’s where we created the offices, lodge and housing for visitors. Thanks to partners, such as SavingNature, we’ve been buying more land every year. We now own 8,000 hectares and additional 3,000 hectares through partnership agreements.

What is your goal? How much do you want to expand the reserve?

We want to double the size of REGUA in the Guapiaçu watershed. This area is important for three reasons: It safeguards a vital watershed for 2.5 million residents of eastern Metropolitan Rio de Janeiro city, builds habitat for biodiversity, and sequesters carbon dioxide to fight climate change.

Is it easy to buy land?

It has become easier over the years, because people trust REGUA’s conservation work. We often have people coming to our office to offer their properties for sale.  We usually buy land on slopes not suitable for farming or eroded hills and grasslands degraded from cattle grazing and areas that were burned for crops in the past.

Planting Trees to Create Wildlife Corridors

Besides protecting standing forests, you’ve also been restoring forests that had previously been cleared for timber and agriculture. What is your tree-planting strategy?

The aim of our reforestation program is to create connectivity between isolated forest fragments. Basically, we are building corridors that will enable wildlife to move through and access to other areas.  

How many trees have you planted so far? 

Since 2002, we have planted 800,000 trees.

Quite a number! What type of trees are you planting?

Our team and volunteers collect seeds from about 250 native Atlantic Forest species year-round from the forest on the reserve and surroundings. Over the years, we’ve been increasing the production of saplings in our nursery. The nursery can now provide about 100,000 saplings per year.

Man digging holes with auger to plant trees in Brazil's Atlantic Forest

That’s a lot! Do you have any special strategy for tree planting?

When we work on a reforestation site, we plant three categories of trees: pioneer, second growth and mature (climax). Each of these trees have a different function in the forest. The pioneer trees grow very fast, providing shade for the other trees. When the pioneer trees reach 10-15 years of age, they start breaking and die, creating organic matter and nutrients for the second growth trees. These trees grow slower and are important because they open the way for more demanding species.  Two of the most majestic trees are the Jequitibá and Copaíba trees, which take up to 30 to 50  years to become mature and produce seeds. When all these trees grow in one forest, it can be considered a mature forest.

Once the saplings are planted, how do you care for them?    

We have to return every three months to the restoration site to weed around the saplings and control the presence of the leaf cutting ants. This can take up to three or four years.

What are your reforestation goals for the upcoming years?

REGUA wishes to plant a million trees in the upcoming years within the Guapiaçu watershed. This can only be made possible through the generous support of partners like Saving Nature. 

Getting Results

What animals use the corridor?

We have seen pumas, ocelots, margays and tapirs in the corridor. These animals need big areas to survive to search for food or explore the territory. But also birds, such as the Shrike-like cotinga, the Bellbird, the Blue-winged Parrotlet, and the White-necked Hawk, which used to be rare, are making a comeback.  Even though our oldest restoration sites are 16 years old and it will take another 20-30 years for the forests to be mature, they are already buzzing with life.

South American Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
Saffron tucanet (Pteroglossus bailloni) from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil.

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Categories: Climate Change, Colombia, Saving Nature Collection, Tree Planting

Saving Neotropical Migratory Birds

Canada Warbler

Saving Neotropical Migratory Birds

How Reforesting Colombia’s Western Andes Ensures the Survival of North American Birds

Neotropical migratory birds undertake incredible journeys, traveling thousands of miles between their breeding grounds in North America and their non-breeding grounds in the Western Andes of Colombia during the winter. However, these remarkable birds face a significant threat to their survival: the loss, degradation, and fragmentation of their critical habitats. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the challenges faced by neotropical migratory birds in the Western Andes, the causes of declining populations, and the proposed solution of reforestation efforts to protect their winter habitat. Additionally, we’ll highlight how these conservation actions align with the growing interest in tree planting initiatives.

The other migrant crisis

The Critical Importance of Winter Habitat for Neotropical Migratory Birds

Neotropical migratory birds are known for their vast ranges in North America, where they breed and raise their young. However, what often goes unnoticed is that their winter ranges in South America are considerably smaller. This distinction is vital to understanding the precarious situation these birds face.

While neotropical migratory birds may have expansive breeding and nesting grounds in North America, their wintering habitats in the Western Andes of Colombia are limited. These smaller winter ranges are meticulously selected by these birds for specific environmental conditions, providing them with the resources needed for survival.

Here’s the crucial point: if neotropical migratory birds lose their winter habitat, they will face severe challenges in surviving. During the non-breeding season, these birds rely on these specific locations for shelter, food, and safety. The loss, degradation, or fragmentation of these vital wintering habitats can disrupt their life cycle, making it difficult for them to prepare for the demanding journey back to their breeding grounds.

In essence, these small winter ranges are their lifelines, and any disruption in these areas can have far-reaching consequences for their populations. By supporting reforestation and habitat restoration efforts, we are working to ensure that these critical winter habitats remain intact, providing neotropical migratory birds with the refuge they need to endure and thrive.

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The Problem: Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

The decline in neotropical migratory bird populations can be attributed to numerous factors, but the most significant cause is the loss and fragmentation of their habitats. Human activities, including agricultural expansion and deforestation, have severely affected these habitats, disrupting the birds’ life cycle. The Western Andes of Colombia, home to these incredible birds during the winter, faces a dual threat from climate change and population growth. Climate change compounds the effects of habitat fragmentation and deforestation, making it crucial to address these issues urgently.

Habitat loss in the Andean region is driven primarily by practices like agriculture and forest clearing for livestock. Recent accessibility to forested areas after a peace agreement in Colombia has only exacerbated this issue. Cerulean Warblers and Canada Warblers are particularly at risk due to the loss of suitable wintering habitat, while the deforestation of the Northern Andes poses a significant threat to Olive-sided Flycatchers and other avian species.

The Proposed Solution: Reforestation and Habitat Restoration

The Mesenia-Paramillo Nature Reserve in the Western Andes of Colombia has become a crucial focal point for conservation efforts. Saving Nature has partnered with Fundacion Bioconservancy to restore habitat for neotropical migratory birds in the area and engage local communities in these restoration efforts. By reforesting and protecting winter habitat, the project addresses a critical factor in the declining population trends of these remarkable birds.

The project focuses on five priority neotropical migratory birds native to the area: Canada Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and Swallow-tailed Kite. These species are threatened by persistent habitat loss and fragmentation in their non-breeding grounds. Reforestation with native trees serves to counteract these threats by increasing habitat availability and connectivity, thus reducing mortality during the non-breeding season and improving conditions for spring migration and breeding.

Since the project’s inception in 2008, we have secured 3,845 hectares of land, of which 308 hectares are earmarked for restoration with native trees. The rest remains intact forest. This high-elevation forest is vital for species like Canada Warblers, which winter in areas between 500-2,500m. Over the next five years, the project aims to reforest 594 hectares with over 650,000 native trees to increase neotropical migratory bird habitat. As of 2019, they have already restored 183 hectares, with plans to restore an additional 100 hectares in 2024 by planting around 120,000 native trees.

Where You Come In

Reforestation efforts in the Western Andes of Colombia are providing a beacon of hope for neotropical migratory birds facing population declines. By restoring their winter habitat and actively engaging local communities, the project is contributing to the survival of these incredible birds. Furthermore, these conservation actions are in line with the growing global interest in tree planting initiatives, which play a vital role in combating climate change, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

Supporting initiatives like this, whether through direct involvement or financial contributions, is not only beneficial for neotropical migratory birds but for our planet as a whole. It’s a reminder that when we take action to protect the environment, we are planting the seeds of a better future for ourselves and generations to come.

Why Your Donation Matters

Your donation plays a pivotal role in the ongoing efforts to save neotropical migratory birds by restoring their winter habitat in the Western Andes of Colombia. Here’s why your support is so crucial:

  1. Habitat Restoration: The primary focus of this project is the restoration of critical winter habitat for neotropical migratory birds. Your donation directly contributes to planting native trees and creating healthier, more connected habitats for these migratory birds. By increasing habitat availability, you help provide the food, shelter, and safety that neotropical migratory birds need during the non-breeding season.

  2. Biodiversity Conservation: neotropical migratory birds are not the only beneficiaries of this restoration effort. The increased tree planting and habitat restoration also benefit the broader ecosystem. Many other species, both flora and fauna, rely on these habitats, and your donation supports the protection of this diverse ecosystem.

  3. Climate Change Mitigation: Trees are essential in the fight against climate change. They capture and store carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change. By supporting reforestation efforts, your donation contributes to a healthier planet for both neotropical migratory birds and people alike.

  4. Global Migration: neotropical migratory birds play a critical role in ecosystems on both sides of their migration routes. By supporting their winter habitat, you’re helping ensure the continuation of these incredible long-distance journeys that connect continents. This not only contributes to biodiversity but also our understanding of the planet’s interconnectedness

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Categories: Climate Change, Colombia, Saving Nature Collection, Tree Planting

Uphill Battles

Uphill Battles

How Species Are Escaping Climate Change

The effects of climate change are undeniable, and our planet’s flora and fauna are feeling the heat. As temperatures rise and ecosystems shift, many species are embarking on an uphill journey to escape the changing climate. However, their path to survival is often blocked by deforestation, leaving them isolated and vulnerable. In this blog post, we will explore the remarkable phenomenon of species moving upslope to adapt to climate change and introduce you to Fundación Bioconservancy, a beacon of hope in the battle to save nature’s project by creating wildlife corridors for these resilient species.

The Uphill Migration: Escaping Climate Change

As global temperatures continue to climb, species that are unable to adapt to the changing conditions in their current habitats are facing a dilemma: adapt or perish. Many of them are choosing to migrate upslope to cooler, more suitable environments. This migration can involve a wide range of species, from plants to animals, and it’s a fascinating display of nature’s resilience.

The phenomenon of species moving upslope to escape the impacts of climate change is not limited to one region but is a global narrative. In Colombia’s Western Andes, home to the iconic spectacled bear, the Andean condor, and a myriad of vibrant orchid species, this uphill migration is particularly significant. These mountains provide refuge for countless species, but as temperatures rise, even they are not immune to the effects of climate change. The spectacled bear, an endangered species, is one such resident in the Western Andes. By supporting initiatives that protect these habitats, we can ensure that species like the spectacled bear continue to roam these mountain ranges and find the cooler climes they desperately need to survive. Your support is vital in safeguarding the rich biodiversity of Colombia’s Western Andes and similar ecosystems around the world.

The Challenges of Deforestation

While the instinct to move upslope is essential for survival, it is not without its challenges. One of the most significant obstacles is deforestation. As human activities continue to clear large swaths of land for agriculture, urban development, and logging, these acts of deforestation create fragmented landscapes that can block the migration paths of species.

For species attempting to move to higher altitudes, deforested areas can act as insurmountable barriers, preventing them from reaching the cooler, more suitable habitats they seek. This isolation can lead to genetic bottlenecks, inbreeding, and increased susceptibility to diseases – all factors that threaten the survival of these species.

Creating Wildlife Corridors

Wildlife corridors are strategically designed to connect fragmented habitats, allowing species to move upslope, find food, mates, and new breeding grounds, and maintain genetic diversity. These green pathways act as lifelines for species threatened by deforestation and climate change, facilitating their movement and survival. By actively working to establish wildlife corridors, they are helping to ensure that the resilient species moving upslope can successfully adapt to the changing climate and continue their critical roles within their ecosystems.

In the face of this pressing ecological issue, Saving Nature has partnered with Fundación Bioconservancy , a beacon of hope in the cloud forest of Colombia’s Western Andes. This non-profit foundation, dedicated to preserving biodiversity, is actively engaged in creating wildlife corridors, which are essential for the safe passage of species adapting to climate change.

Our project is centered on planting native trees sourced from seeds collected in the surrounding areas by the local community. By involving the community in nursery operations with seeds sourced from the local area, they create economic opportunities for women and promote the preservation of local biodiversity. What sets Bioconservancy apart is their commitment to connecting forest fragments, enabling species to move to more habitable altitudes. Through this interconnected web of forests, they are facilitating the migration of species to more suitable environments, mitigating the impact of climate change, and ultimately creating a healthier, more vibrant ecosystem. In doing so, they are not only planting trees but sowing the seeds of a sustainable future for both the environment and the communities they engage with.

Where You Come In

As we’ve explored in this blog post, climate change is reshaping our world, forcing many of Earth’s incredible species to embark on an uphill journey for survival. Yet, the obstacles they face, particularly deforestation, can be insurmountable. This is where you come in. We need your help to create a lifeline for these resilient species – an escape route to ensure their survival.

With your help, we can ensure that the incredible species in the face of this ecological crisis have the opportunity to adapt and thrive. We have the power to be stewards of this planet, to preserve its beauty, its biodiversity, and its wonder. 

Why Your Donation Matters

The urgency of climate change requires collective action. Join us in this important mission and be a part of the solution. Together, we can close the gap, create an escape route, and secure the future of our imperiled species.  By donating today, you are helping to create a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

  1. Closing the Gap: Your contribution will directly support efforts to close the gaps in fragmented landscapes created by deforestation. By purchasing vital land and restoring it to its natural state, we can ensure that species can migrate upslope safely.

  2. Creating Wildlife Corridors: Your donation will be instrumental in establishing and maintaining wildlife corridors. These green pathways act as lifelines, allowing species to move freely between habitats, find food, mates, and new breeding grounds, and ultimately thrive in the face of climate change.

  3. Preserving Biodiversity: Your support will help protect and preserve the incredible biodiversity of our planet. Each species plays a unique role within its ecosystem, and the loss of even one can have far-reaching consequences. By safeguarding their habitats, you are helping to maintain the delicate balance of our natural world.

Donate today and be a catalyst for change. Together, we can make a world of difference!

help species escape climate change

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Categories: Climate Change, Colombia, Saving Nature Collection, Tree Planting

Empowering Communities and Restoring Nature

tree planting at La Mesenia - photo of nursuery

Empowering Communities and Nurturing Nature

The Impact of Fundacion Bioconservancy’s Community Nurseries

In the heart of rural villages where economic opportunities are scarce, Fundacion Bioconservancy has sown the seeds of change. Through a visionary project, they’ve established 11 community nurseries that not only nurture nature but also foster economic empowerment, primarily among women. These nurseries serve as a beacon of hope, creating a better financial future for entire families, providing resources for children’s education and medical needs, and bringing a host of other community benefits through small businesses linked to tree planting.

1. Economic Empowerment for Women

In many remote villages, women often face limited employment opportunities. The establishment of community nurseries by Fundacion Bioconservancy has turned the tide by offering women a chance to take an active role in environmental conservation while earning a living. The nurseries provide them with meaningful work, allowing them to contribute to their families’ income.

  • Steady Income: Women working in these nurseries receive a steady income, which helps alleviate financial stress in their households. This income stream not only covers basic needs but also allows them to save for the future.
  • Skill Development: Besides earning income, women gain valuable skills in plant cultivation, nursery management, and environmental conservation. These skills can open doors to further employment opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures

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2. A Better Future for Families

The positive impact of Fundacion Bioconservancy’s community nurseries extends beyond the women involved. The income generated plays a pivotal role in securing a better future with more financial resources for entire families.

  • Education: Children from these families can now access better educational opportunities. The income from the nurseries helps cover school fees, purchase books, and provide other resources necessary for a quality education.
  • Medical Needs: Improved finances enable families to afford necessary medical care and medicines. Healthier families lead to improved overall well-being and productivity.

3. Community Benefits Through Small Businesses

The connection between tree planting and small businesses is an innovative and sustainable approach that yields multiple community benefits.

  • Health & Safety: The nurseries produce native trees and plants used to restore degraded hillsides to prevent landslides and river silting.
  • Eco-Tourism: Tree planting initiatives often attract eco-tourists interested in sustainable and eco-friendly activities. Local businesses can benefit from increased tourism, offering services such as accommodation, food, and guided tours.
  • Environmental Awareness: The community nurseries raise environmental awareness, encouraging the establishment of small businesses focused on eco-friendly products and services. This can include handmade crafts, organic produce, and ecotourism experiences.

4. Conclusion

Fundacion Bioconservancy’s community nurseries stand as a testament to the transformative power of environmental conservation initiatives. Beyond their ecological significance, these nurseries have brought economic empowerment to women, paving the way for better financial futures for entire families. Moreover, they have created a ripple effect of community benefits through small businesses linked to tree planting. As these nurseries continue to thrive, they offer a sustainable and holistic model for community development, one that nurtures both nature and human potential.

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Categories: Colombia, Saving Nature Collection

Transforming Conservation

https://www.amazon.com/Transforming-Conservation-Practical-Evidence-Decision Book Cover

Tranforming Conservation

A Practical Guide to Evidence and Decision Making

Edited by William J. Sutherland

The future of nature is in our hands. In a world that is increasingly facing the effects of climate change and environmental destruction, it is more important now than ever before to take steps to protect our planet. This new book, edited by William J. Sutherland, outlines a comprehensive approach to transforming the way conservation decisions are made by focusing on evidence-based decision making.

https://www.amazon.com/Transforming-Conservation-Practical-Evidence-Decision Book Cover

1. The Need for Evidence-Based Decisions

The authors make the case for a strategic and cultural shift in the way conservation efforts are undertaken, suggesting that evidence should be synthesized and made available when and as needed to ensure decision makers have the necessary skills and tools to use it. They emphasize the need for greater transparency in the use of evidence and argue that this should be the norm, with not using evidence seen as unprofessional and inefficient.

2. Training the Next Generation

To achieve this, they propose the development of new skills such as finding and synthesizing evidence, interpreting, evaluating and combining evidence, using experts efficiently, working with diverse stakeholders, making decisions that incorporate values and costs, embedding evidence in plans and guidance, and creating tests to improve the evidence base. They offer some resources for training the next generation of decision makers in these skills and highlight the successes already achieved in other fields such as medicine and aviation safety.

3. A Cost Effective Approach

The authors make a strong case for the need to invest in evidence-based conservation, as it is likely to lead to more cost-effective delivery of policy and practice, and to improved credibility, making it easier to attract funders. They argue that this transition should be self-reinforcing, with recipients required to produce transparently collated evidence when applying for funds, and society at large demanding the use of evidence in decision making and the improvement of the evidence base where it is lacking.

4. Accountability to Funders

The authors discuss the commitments already made by philanthropists and funding bodies to improving effectiveness and suggest that if multiple influential funders require the consideration of the evidence, the effect could be rapid and substantial. The authors also emphasize that the processes they describe are applicable to many other fields and disciplines, from architecture and education to traffic management and research funding. They make a compelling case for evidence-based decision making in conservation and suggest that, if implemented, it could lead to a better planet.

Categories: Conservation Research, Saving Nature Collection

4 Reasons to Teach Children About Climate Change

The Importance of Teaching Children About Climate Change

Chatty Garrette

As the adage goes, children are like sponges. They absorb what they see around them and what kids learn becomes a part of who they will be. It is essential to start them young if humankind relies on a new generation of responsible individuals.

 

Meanwhile, Climate.gov explains that climate change is not reversible overnight or even in a few decades. This problem resulted from centuries of artificial activities. In the same sense, it might take just as long to recover, if at all. Still, every little help counts, even those from your little ones.

For parents and educators everywhere, here are a few reasons why you should start teaching kids about climate change:

1. Guide Them Towards Environmental Consciousness

One of the most significant potential impacts of teaching climate change to children is influencing the kinds of adults they will be. Integrating this subject into the educational curriculum allows children to learn from their environment in a different light.

They will grow with consciousness about how everything they do can affect the environment around them.

 

Teaching children about climate change doesn’t end with an academic approach. It usually includes practical topics like collective responsibility and environmental stewardship. These concepts, when relayed properly, affect their lifestyle as adults. Proper education reflects on their choices once they grow up. Whether they use everyday objects sourced from responsible sources and means or contribute to the growing plastic waste in the oceans depends on their upbringing. From actively participating in Earth day activities to making conscious lifestyle choices, it all begins with the habits they form growing up.

 

Children are usually eager to find applications for the things they learn. Being at school also gives them the chance to experiment and test out the concepts. For this purpose, teaching them environmental concepts must be delivered to integrate with other aspects of their education.

2. Encourage Career Choices

A good part of humanity’s progress so far is because of the experts lending their time and resources to find ways to help mitigate the mounting environmental crisis. In the same way that exposing kids to coding and programming encourages them into a career in the science and technology sectors, teaching kids about climate change could push them down an environmental career path. There are a lot of possible jobs that have something to do with taking care of the environment. From studying plant and animal life to monitoring marine weather, there are different ways to help mitigate the effects of global warming.

 

There has been a workforce crisis among environment-related jobs. This situation means that there are a lot of roles to fill in and opportunities to explore. By raising children aware and concerned about the natural world, humankind also increases the odds of having professionals whose dedication and focus point toward reversing climate change.

3. Influence Civic Engagement

Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, and steering them into more responsible paths and decisions makes for a compelling case on why climate change and related environmental concepts have to be taught early. Including these topics into the school curriculum and at home make children more aware of them and everything around them. Civic engagement, a concept usually taught in higher education, is possible to impart in a child-friendly setting. There are ways for children to see if the community they’re a part of contributes to the fight against climate change.

 

More than the factors that contribute to global warming, it is also essential for children to gradually understand how different levels of society respond to the challenges posed by the changing environment. By having a clear context about these things, children can start looking for unique opportunities with which they can contribute as a member of society.

4. Climate Change is a Complex Subject

Almost everyone knows that climate change refers to the continuous increase in average Earth temperatures that has been happening for at least a century now. However, to better reverse this trend, it is even more important to understand it deeply. More than the cycle of trash finding its way into landfills and oceans, it is also crucial to recognize its effects on health and community and the societal repercussions of the phenomenon.

 

This reason is why teaching the subject from an early age gives children more time to gain a holistic understanding. If properly integrated into the existing educational curriculum, children can learn more profound and complex ideas associated with climate change. By gradually introducing them into what is now a separate field of study, kids can better grasp this problem’s actual scale and magnitude.

Final Word

As climate change affects everyone, it is only fair to give everyone an opportunity to participate in reversing the problem. By teaching children about it, as well as the systematic challenges that come with it, we are helping in the development of leaders and professionals who can go further than we’ve ever been.

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Categories: Climate Change, Saving Nature Collection

Annual Letter from Stuart Pimm

Tucan

Each year, there’s always a vivid image that captures our work’s challenges and importance. With travel again, it’s a video sent by our partner in Colombia, Luis Mazariegos. Mules carry baby trees up a steep and challenging mountain track to the degraded cattle pasture into which his team will plant them. Just this project alone planted 40,000 trees* in 2021 — all native and many of them rare and endangered species.  

 

This year, we hoped to have funds to make significant investments in Colombia, Brazil, and Sumatra. All three of these are ambitious corridor projects to reconnect fragmented landscapes. In the second year of the pandemic, we wondered if we could raise sufficient funds to achieve our goals. 

 

Thanks to you, our supporters, we were able to surpass them.  

Tucan

Brazil

In Brazil, our partner, Nicholas Locke at Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu, has long eyed a 120-hectare property that will connect currently isolated forests. Once reforested, species have a gateway to a large forest with significantly more resources for their survival. Negotiations with owners take time, as do transfers once the deal is complete. But a couple of weeks ago, we sent Nicholas the funds to buy the property. More thousands of trees will go in the ground in addition to the thousands planted this year.  

 

Sumatra

We helped our partner in Sumatra, Rudi Putra of the Leuser Conservation Forum, acquire another 150 hectares of land to develop the critical corridor further there.   

 

Ecuador

We’re also continuing our work in Ecuador, with more support for work in the Chocó — the very threatened Pacific coast forests. As with our previous projects, the current one aims to stop logging operations that fragment the forest and encroach on a large indigenous reserve.  We’ve helped our partner, Martin Schaefer of Fundación Jocotoco, project a key 133-hectare property to connect two existing properties against the threat of industrial logging.  

 

We’ve added new projects in China and Africa

Were this all we accomplished, we’d be happy. But thanks to you, we’ve expanded our operations into two new countries. The first is China, where we hope to support a forest restoration project in Yunnan. I visited the area a couple of years ago with board members. It has a wealth of poorly known species and where we believe we can make a difference. This is still in discussions with the board, I should add. 

 

The second is Africa, which has always been a challenge. Mountain areas — which have many threatened species — are some of Earth’s most densely populated places. The land is often owned communally. All that said, we’ve long wanted to help restore fragmented forests and launched a restoration project this year in the Usambara Mountains of Northern Tanzania. Our scientific partner, Bill Newmark from the University of Utah, has worked there for decades. Together, we’ve published on the need to reconnect forest fragments there. Now we have the chance. Working with the local communities, we’re working out ways to get native trees established there — a difficult task given the conditions, but one we feel we must try.  

 

Mapping Threatened Species
Ensuring that we use the best science to inform our decisions is vital. Led by Ryan Huang, we assembled a team of former students and international colleagues from the American Bird Conservancy, eBird (Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology), BirdLife International (Cambridge), International Union for the Conservation of Nature to produce very detailed maps of the 1,000 most threatened bird species in The Americas. Those maps are all freely available. Click here to view.

 

Wildlife Corridors Work!
With Erin Willigan, our Executive Director, Ryan, and student Andie Kolorova, I published a review in the journal Current Biology on the evidence that species move through corridors of various kinds.  The simple answer is that a wide range of species do use corridors to cross over or under roads, but that corridors such as the ones we create be reforestation are few and far between.  So, yes, what we do is very special. 

 

We’ve had a spectacular year, funded our partners to make large land purchases, and have greater ambitions for 2022

 

Stay safe,

Stuart Pimm

 

*PS. A few months ago, 40,000 delegates descended on a conference in Glasgow to find solutions to massive emissions into the atmosphere that are heating the planet. Many thought that the meeting had too much talk and not enough action, so we did something immediately practical. Saving Nature planted a tree for every one of those delegates this year in Colombia alone. And for that, nature thanks you.

Categories: News, Saving Nature Collection

Saving Nature And REGUA Announce Significant Land Purchase As Part Of Multi-Year Conservation Vision For Brazil’s Atlantic Forest

Blue-naped Chlorophonia (Chlorophonia cyanea)

Saving Nature And REGUA Announce Significant Land Purchase As Part Of Multi-Year Conservation Vision For Brazil’s Atlantic Forest

Saving Nature, a non-profit, science-led conservation organization dedicated to preventing extinctions and fighting climate change, announced today a significant land acquisition in Brazil. The investment is part of a multi-year partnership with Reserva Ecologica de Guapiaçu (REGUA), a Brazilian NGO working to restore critical habitat for biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest near Rio de Janeiro.

REGUA is a leading conservation organization focused on creating a sustainable future for a critical watershed that supplies fresh water to thirteen million people in Rio de Janeiro. The land purchased is embedded within Brazil’s third largest remaining Atlantic Forest fragment. It adds 294 acres of land that REGUA will reforest with native trees to create a 1,000-acre restoration zone within its 18,250-hectare protected nature reserve.

 

 “Brazil’s Atlantic Forest is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth and is home to many thousands of species of animals and plants that exist nowhere else,” commented Dr. Stuart Pimm, Founder and President of Saving Nature. “We are delighted to partner with REGUA to implement a broad regional vision for the restoration of the Atlantic Forest and the salvation of its biodiversity.”

 

“REGUA has worked intensely to protect the remaining forests, partnering with international groups, including Saving Nature, to identify and create corridors for threatened and endangered species,” commented Nicholas Locke, President of REGUA. “Because of the ongoing threat of forest fragmentation and urban development, restoring and protecting the Atlantic Forest is the only way for its magnificent biodiversity to survive.”

 

The land purchase and strategic partnership are a unique opportunity to fortify and amplify REGUA’s conservation gains. The partners hope the project will serve as a model for achieving effective and efficient ecosystem protection and natural solutions to climate change through strategic action centred around biodiversity.

 

About Saving Nature, Inc.

Founded by senior conservation scientists, Saving Nature is committed to rescuing endangered species from extinction and communities from environmental destruction. Saving Nature partners with local conservation groups to create vital connections between isolated forests in biodiversity hotspots. The organisation creates strategic wildlife corridors to promote species dispersal, genetic diversity, and population rebound. By acquiring and reforesting degraded landscapes with native trees, the corridors sequester carbon and provide essential ecosystem services in an era of climate change. Saving Nature is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organisation, and all donations to Saving Nature are tax-deductible. To donate, click here.

About REGUA:

REGUA is a Brazilian environmental NGO created in 2001 with a mission of conserving the Atlantic Forest of the Guapiaçu river catchment. Since 2001, REGUA has created a protected area of more than 28,650 acres, planted 650,000 trees, restored lost swamps, and successfully reintroduced tapirs. REGUA manages a 18,250-acre protected nature reserve and works with local landowners to protect an additional 10,400 acres.

REGUA delivers complementary programs that include conservation, education, and research. Their long-term forest protection program includes land purchase and restoration, recreating wetlands, planting native trees, reintroducing lost species, hiring forest rangers, and designating Private Park (RPPN) status. REGUA’s education program supports environmental awareness through wide-reaching community and international studies. Ongoing scientific research includes partnerships with universities and scientists to advance insights into the region’s biodiversity and publish papers on conservation topics.

Categories: Brazil, News, Saving Nature Collection

The World’s Smallest Chameleon Now Discovered

Drone View of Usambara Mountains

The World’s Smallest Chameleon Now Discovered

Contributed by Megan Watson

A new species of chameleon, Brookesia nana, has recently been discovered in the mountainous forests of northern Madagascar. Measuring just less than 30 millimeters in length, it may be the smallest reptile ever identified, according to research published in Scientific Reports. Nicknamed B. nana for short, this amazing species is a member of a genus comprising around 13 other tiny chameleons found throughout the region. Sadly, however, scientists expect the chameleon to soon be considered critically endangered.

The size of a sunflower seed 

So far, only one adult male and one adult female specimen has been discovered. The male measures a mere 21.6 millimeters in length, while the female is significantly longer at 28.9 millimeters. It’s thought this discrepancy in size (known as sexual dimorphism) may be the reason for the male’s larger genitalia, which equals almost 20% of its body length, herpetologist Frank Glaw of the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology explains. However, at the moment, since only two individuals have been identified, it’s difficult to know whether these sizes are the norm for the species. Ultimately, it’s unknown why B. nana evolved to be so tiny, however it probably makes them more efficient at catching prey with their projectile tongues. Similar to other chameleons, B. nana uses its projectile tongue to catch tiny invertebrates like mites and springtails on the rainforest floor during the day.

The need for conservation

Unfortunately, habitat degradation and deforestation put a question mark over this tiny reptile’s future. The region’s increasing population and poverty levels have forced inhabitants to clear rainforests for agriculture (94% of Madagascar’s previously forested lands have now been deforested). As such, it’s likely B. nana will be officially considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, Sorata massif, the region where the B. nana was found, has at least recently been made a protected area by the Malagasy government.

Moreover, 36% of all chameleon species worldwide are actually facing extinction, the SSC Chameleon Specialist Group finds. Nine species are listed as critically endangered, 37 as endangered, and 20 as vulnerable — resulting in 66 species of threatened chameleons in total. More than just chameleons, the whole reptile family is facing a bleak future with 19% currently threatened by extinction. In fact, an average of nearly one million endangered and threatened snakes are legally sold every year on the international market, which puts snake species, human health, and entire ecosystems at risk. People looking to keep snakes as pets should at least choose species that aren’t endangered. The Amazon Tree Boa The Amazon Tree Boa, for example, is currently classified as “least concern” by the IUCN.

How small is the smallest?

B. nana’s minute size raises the question of just how small it’s possible for vertebrates to be. There are frogs, for example, that are still actually much smaller. However, surface area eventually becomes a problem for tiny creatures who, surprisingly, typically have larger surface area to volume ratios than big creatures. And, when these ratios are high, the more the animal becomes at risk of water loss. “There also seems to be a limit as to where you can put all the stuff you have,” says researcher Tony Gamble. Many small creatures have reduced skull sizes or overlapping bones, and some lose entire structures through evolution.

Ultimately, this discovery serves as a reminder to everyone just how diverse the island of Madagascar is. “I think what keeps stories like this front and center in our imagination is that every time something like this is discovered, it’s like, ‘Oh man, I guess [living creatures] can get a little smaller,’” says Gamble.

Categories: Amphibians, Madagascar, Saving Nature Collection, Science Corner, Species Spotlight

New Orchid Discovered

New orchid discovered, Dracula irmelinae, named for Leonardo DiCaprios Mother

June 5, 2020: In remote places on earth, there ares still species unknown to science. Our project in the Western Andes of Colombia is one such place, where a new species of orchid has been discovered, described, and named.

New Orchid Discovered

Western Andes Cloud Forest 

The cloud forests of Colombia’s Western Andes are a very special place for biodiversity, especially when it comes to orchids. The climate here is ideal for a wide variety of tropical plants, with mountain peaks enveloped by the mist that forms when warm air meets chillier mountain currents. Its remoteness also make it an ideal location to discover new species.

Dracula irmelinae

In fact, these forests are home to over 200 species of orchids in all forms and sizes, from miniature Andinia, Stelis and Lepanthes, to larger Masdevallia, Maxillaria and Dracula. And the rangers have only begun to explore, forging trails with names like “Transylvania” for the variety of Dracula orchids found here. 

The Transylvania Trail rises to 9,700 feet (2,950m), winding through montane forests and stunted subparamo vegetation. Along the ascent, Dracula orchid species like D. gorgona, D. chimaera, D. iricolor, D. andrettae and D. gorgonella adorn the forest. It was on this very trail, that Ubiel Rendon, a Hummingbird Conservancy Ranger, noticed an unusual orchid and wondered about its classification. After conferring with two Dracula experts, Nicolas Pelaez and Gary Meyer, the team confirmed the discovery of an entirely new species. 

As anyone who has read The Orchid Thief knows, it is amazing that any species of orchid has escaped discovery in a region of Colombia that has been scoured for Draculas since the Victorian orchid craze. Perhaps it was because this new orchid species is endemic to a small area in the Western Cordillera of Colombia that it had escaped the notice of obsessed orchid collectors. In total, it’s Area of Occupancy is no more than 500 km2 (193 square miles), a virtual needle in the haystack of the Andes Mountains.

Making It Official 

The new Dracula orchid is now official, with publication of its description in  in Volume 20, Number 2 issue of Lankesteriana International Journal of Orchidiology.  Its name, Dracula irmelinae, honors Irmelin Indenbirken, Leonardo DiCaprio’s mother, in appreciation of his commitment to conservation efforts. Through his foundation, his generous support of Saving Nature’s projects has helped ensure the survival of orchids and countless other species struggling for safe haven in the Western Andes of Colombia and other biodiversity hotspots around the world.

Protecting Wild Orchids 

Sadly, although newly discovered, Dracula irmelinae is already Endangered (EN) according to criteria established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, due to habitat loss in the area.  Saving Nature is working with The Hummingbird Conservancy to change that. Our project here is restoring this area for orchids and other species.

Learn More About Our Project in the Western Andes

LEARN MORE
Categories: Colombia, News, Saving Nature Collection

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