The Jaguars of Iguaçu Project
The Jaguars of Iguaçu Project is an institutional initiative of Iguaçu National Park, whose mission is the conservation of the jaguar, as a keystone species for maintaining biodiversity in the park’s region.
Our Approach:
Biennial Censuses
One of the research actions of the Project is monitoring the population of jaguars in Iguaçu National Park. Biennial censuses are conducted in conjunction with the Yaguaraté Project from Argentina, allowing both parks in the two countries to be sampled simultaneously. It represents the world’s largest effort in monitoring jaguars, with nearly 600,000 hectares surveyed for almost 10 years. From 2009 to 2018, the estimated population of jaguars in Iguaçu National Park increased from 11 to 28 animals. Considering the Green Corridor (Brazil and Argentina), the current estimated population is 105 individuals.
Continuous Monitoring
In addition to the biennial censuses, continuous monitoring is also carried out using camera traps in Iguaçu National Park, allowing constant tracking of jaguar activity and the monitoring of other wildlife species.
Diet Study
The study of the jaguar’s diet is conducted through the analysis of fecal content from samples collected during field activities. The identification of prey species is done through signs left at the site of feces deposition (footprints and scratches) and confirmed through trichology or genetic analysis if necessary.
Isotopic analyses will be used as a complementary method to fecal analysis. In order to obtain an isotopic signature pattern for both predators and prey species, samples of fur, feathers, scales, and other tissues obtained will be sent for isotopic analyses.
Monitoring Jaguars with Radio Collars
The Project captures jaguars and pumas for the installation of collars that enable monitoring of the animals through satellite and VHF, generating data such as movement, home range, and activity. During the captures, biometric data and biological materials such as semen and blood are also collected for analysis. This work is carried out in partnership with CENAP and the Yaguareté Project.
Coexistence
The project develops activities that aim for the coexistence between people and large felines. It works with producers to prevent predation, provide safety advice, best management practices, and install anti-predation measures, aiming to reduce predation and increase people’s tolerance. It responds promptly in case of predation of livestock, identifying the predator, implementing preventive measures, and guiding owners in proper animal management to decrease their vulnerability.
We aim to generate alternative sources of income associated with large felines, adding value to keeping them alive. These actions are carried out in the municipalities bordering the Park. Through constant visits and activities, knowledge exchange, recognition, and appreciation of local residents, the project aims to establish a bond of trust and involve local inhabitants, transforming them into actors in the conservation of large felines in the region.
The coexistence between human populations and felines is one of the keys to preventing the extinction of the jaguar in the region.
Engagement
We work to transform people’s relationship with large felines and the Iguaçu National Park. Touching the heart to teach the mind, we use enchantment as a conservation tool.
We conduct engagement activities with the communities from the 14 municipalities surrounding the Park. The actions carried out include: “Jaguar in School” (with children in schools in the bordering municipalities), “Jaguar Chat” (with producers living on the park’s edge), “Traveling Jaguar” (exhibitions about jaguars at events in municipalities bordering the National Park), “Jaguar Trail” (guided trails in the forest), “Jaguar’s Breath” (a version of Paint of Science, discussing jaguar-related topics in bars), and “Jaguar Team” (a joint solidarity action between the project and the community to solve issues impacting the lives of bordering residents).
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procarnivoros@procarnivoros.org.br
Operational area
atlantic-forest
Responsible team
Staff
Yara Barros
Executive Coordinator
Biologist, Ph.D. in zoology from UNESP.
She has worked with the conservation of threatened fauna, both in situ and ex situ, in government agencies (IBAMA and ICMBio), zoos, and non-governmental organizations. She is an associate of the Instituto Pró Carnívoros and serves as the Executive Coordinator of the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Big Cats. She is also a member of CPSG Brazil (Conservation Planning Specialist Group/IUCN).
Vânia Foster
Head of Research
Biologist, holds a Master’s degree in Ecology, Biodiversity, and Ecosystem Management from the University of Aveiro, Portugal, and a Ph.D. in Ecology and Conservation from the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul – UFMS. During her doctoral research, she focused on carnivore species in the Pantanal, analyzing habitat utilization, activity patterns, and species coexistence.
Thiago Reginato
Head of Coexistence
Environmental Manager from UTFPR Medianeira, with experience in human-large cat coexistence and conflict mediation, public relations, engagement, and environmental education for children and adults.
Aline Kotz
Head of Engagement
Environmental Manager from UTFPR Medianeira, with experience in human-large cat coexistence, conflict mediation, engagement, and environmental education for both adults and children.
Patrícia Gomes
Research Assistant
Veterinarian graduated from the University of Marília – UNIMAR, with a post-graduate degree in Environmental Education from the same university. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Wildlife Animals at São Paulo State University – UNESP. Has experience in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.
Valquíria Marina Nascimento
Field Assistant
Environmental Technician from the Manoel Moreira State Center for Professional Education, currently studying Environmental Management at the University of Marília – UNIMAR. She worked as a temporary environmental agent at ICMBio for a period of 3 years and has extensive experience in the field of environmental conservation and wildfire containment and management.
The Jaguars of Iguaçu Project is an institutional initiative of Iguaçu National Park, whose mission is the conservation of the jaguar, as a keystone species for maintaining biodiversity in the park’s region.
Our Approach:
Biennial Censuses
One of the research actions of the Project is monitoring the population of jaguars in Iguaçu National Park. Biennial censuses are conducted in conjunction with the Yaguaraté Project from Argentina, allowing both parks in the two countries to be sampled simultaneously. It represents the world’s largest effort in monitoring jaguars, with nearly 600,000 hectares surveyed for almost 10 years. From 2009 to 2018, the estimated population of jaguars in Iguaçu National Park increased from 11 to 28 animals. Considering the Green Corridor (Brazil and Argentina), the current estimated population is 105 individuals.
Continuous Monitoring
In addition to the biennial censuses, continuous monitoring is also carried out using camera traps in Iguaçu National Park, allowing constant tracking of jaguar activity and the monitoring of other wildlife species.
Diet Study
The study of the jaguar’s diet is conducted through the analysis of fecal content from samples collected during field activities. The identification of prey species is done through signs left at the site of feces deposition (footprints and scratches) and confirmed through trichology or genetic analysis if necessary.
Isotopic analyses will be used as a complementary method to fecal analysis. In order to obtain an isotopic signature pattern for both predators and prey species, samples of fur, feathers, scales, and other tissues obtained will be sent for isotopic analyses.
Monitoring Jaguars with Radio Collars
The Project captures jaguars and pumas for the installation of collars that enable monitoring of the animals through satellite and VHF, generating data such as movement, home range, and activity. During the captures, biometric data and biological materials such as semen and blood are also collected for analysis. This work is carried out in partnership with CENAP and the Yaguareté Project.
Coexistence
The project develops activities that aim for the coexistence between people and large felines. It works with producers to prevent predation, provide safety advice, best management practices, and install anti-predation measures, aiming to reduce predation and increase people’s tolerance. It responds promptly in case of predation of livestock, identifying the predator, implementing preventive measures, and guiding owners in proper animal management to decrease their vulnerability.
We aim to generate alternative sources of income associated with large felines, adding value to keeping them alive. These actions are carried out in the municipalities bordering the Park. Through constant visits and activities, knowledge exchange, recognition, and appreciation of local residents, the project aims to establish a bond of trust and involve local inhabitants, transforming them into actors in the conservation of large felines in the region.
The coexistence between human populations and felines is one of the keys to preventing the extinction of the jaguar in the region.
Engagement
We work to transform people’s relationship with large felines and the Iguaçu National Park. Touching the heart to teach the mind, we use enchantment as a conservation tool.
We conduct engagement activities with the communities from the 14 municipalities surrounding the Park. The actions carried out include: “Jaguar in School” (with children in schools in the bordering municipalities), “Jaguar Chat” (with producers living on the park’s edge), “Traveling Jaguar” (exhibitions about jaguars at events in municipalities bordering the National Park), “Jaguar Trail” (guided trails in the forest), “Jaguar’s Breath” (a version of Paint of Science, discussing jaguar-related topics in bars), and “Jaguar Team” (a joint solidarity action between the project and the community to solve issues impacting the lives of bordering residents).
Região de atuação
atlantic-forest
Equipe responsável
Staff
Yara Barros
Executive Coordinator
Biologist, Ph.D. in zoology from UNESP.
She has worked with the conservation of threatened fauna, both in situ and ex situ, in government agencies (IBAMA and ICMBio), zoos, and non-governmental organizations. She is an associate of the Instituto Pró Carnívoros and serves as the Executive Coordinator of the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Big Cats. She is also a member of CPSG Brazil (Conservation Planning Specialist Group/IUCN).
Vânia Foster
Head of Research
Biologist, holds a Master’s degree in Ecology, Biodiversity, and Ecosystem Management from the University of Aveiro, Portugal, and a Ph.D. in Ecology and Conservation from the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul – UFMS. During her doctoral research, she focused on carnivore species in the Pantanal, analyzing habitat utilization, activity patterns, and species coexistence.
Thiago Reginato
Head of Coexistence
Environmental Manager from UTFPR Medianeira, with experience in human-large cat coexistence and conflict mediation, public relations, engagement, and environmental education for children and adults.
Aline Kotz
Head of Engagement
Environmental Manager from UTFPR Medianeira, with experience in human-large cat coexistence, conflict mediation, engagement, and environmental education for both adults and children.
Patrícia Gomes
Research Assistant
Veterinarian graduated from the University of Marília – UNIMAR, with a post-graduate degree in Environmental Education from the same university. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Wildlife Animals at São Paulo State University – UNESP. Has experience in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.
Valquíria Marina Nascimento
Field Assistant
Environmental Technician from the Manoel Moreira State Center for Professional Education, currently studying Environmental Management at the University of Marília – UNIMAR. She worked as a temporary environmental agent at ICMBio for a period of 3 years and has extensive experience in the field of environmental conservation and wildfire containment and management.
