Publications
Influence of Land Use and Land Cover on the Quality of Surface Waters and Natural Wetlands in the Miranda River Watershed, Brazilian Pantanal
A watershed-wide analysis of the Miranda River Basin (MRB) in Brazil's Pantanal reveals that natural wetlands significantly enhance water quality by reducing thermotolerant coliforms and turbidity, while also storing, removing, and cycling nutrients. Despite this, the study found concerning trends, including increasing biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels and decreasing dissolved oxygen, which could impact water quality over time. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was rated as GOOD or EXCELLENT throughout the MRB, suggesting that sub-basin-specific management policies could be effective for long-term conservation strategies. This research underscores the critical role of wetlands in maintaining ecological balance and provides a foundation for targeted environmental protection efforts.
Monitoring Environmental Degradation and Spatial Changes in Vegetation and Water Resources in the Brazilian Pantanal
A 30-year analysis of the Brazilian Pantanal reveals significant environmental degradation, marked by a 9.9% decline in water bodies and a 5.7% reduction in wetlands, alongside a 3.0% decrease in forest cover and a 7.4% increase in pastureland. Remote sensing techniques, including NDVI, MNDWI, and NDMI, confirmed substantial changes in vegetation density, moisture levels, and water surface areas, while precipitation dropped to a minimum of 595 mm. These findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable management practices, restoration of degraded areas, and balanced ecotourism development to mitigate environmental impacts on this vital UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Spatial modelling and estimation of mammals' mortalities by Pantanal 2020 megafires
The Pantanal 2020 megafires caused significant mortality among medium- and large-sized mammals, with approximately 49,000 individuals from 26 species affected. The study used double-observer carcass surveys and multi-species N-mixture models to assess spatial patterns of mortality, revealing that non-flooded forests and artificial water bodies were hotspots for fire-related deaths. Mortality was also linked to wildfire severity and species traits related to escape or refuge strategies. Capuchin monkeys, agoutis, peccaries, tapirs, brocket deer, tamanduas, coatis, and capybaras were among the most impacted species. The findings highlight critical areas for fire prevention, species prioritization for rescue efforts, and targeted monitoring to mitigate future impacts on wildlife.
Dynamics of major environmental disasters involving fire in the Brazilian Pantanal
The 2020 fire catastrophe in the Brazilian Pantanal, marked by the highest number of fire foci and lowest precipitation on record, was linked to unfavorable environmental policies and extreme weather conditions. Researchers identified a strong negative correlation between fire intensity and rainfall, as well as between Gross Primary Production (GPP) and carbon dioxide flux, highlighting the biome's vulnerability to climate variability. Using satellite data from 2001 to 2022, the study mapped high-risk areas—particularly in Cáceres, Poconé, and Corumbá—and demonstrated that severe fires are exacerbated by low precipitation in preceding years and high GPP, such as in 2018. Principal component analysis further revealed distinct clusters of fire severity, guiding prioritization for conservation efforts.
Solving the problem of wildfires in the Pantanal Wetlands
A novel approach to tackling wildfires in the Pantanal Wetlands demonstrates that integrated fire management (IFM) could be self-sustaining through carbon credits. The study reveals that preventing wildfires in indigenous lands within the Pantanal avoids annual carbon emissions equivalent to $100 million in carbon credits—a figure sufficient to finance IFM and additional conservation efforts like forest restoration. This economic incentive model, if implemented effectively, could drastically reduce burned areas and mitigate fire-related damage while addressing funding gaps for conservation initiatives.
The Pantanal: How long will there be Life in the Rhythm of the Waters?
The Pantanal, a vast seasonal floodplain wetland spanning Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, faces severe threats from economic development that disrupt its unique ecological rhythm. Research highlights how dams, industrial agriculture, urban pollution, and land-use changes are altering the natural flow regime of the Upper Paraguay River, threatening aquatic biodiversity and traditional cultures adapted to the flood pulse cycle. The study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation policies to protect this biocultural diversity, noting that existing sustainable practices could serve as models elsewhere. Additionally, the proposed Hidrovia project poses an existential threat by potentially transforming the river into a navigable waterway, further endangering wetland ecosystems and indigenous livelihoods.
The SISBIOTA-Diptera Brazilian Network: A long-term survey of Diptera from unexplored Brazilian Western Arc of Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal
A comprehensive survey of Diptera diversity in the Brazilian Western Arc, spanning Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal biomes, identified 2,130 species across 514 genera, marking a significant 41% increase in known species for these regions. The SISBIOTA-Diptera project, involving over 90 collaborators, utilized extensive sampling methods to document fly diversity in understudied areas facing rapid land conversion. Key findings highlighted the dominance of Tachinidae and Cecidomyiidae families, while also revealing substantial taxonomic gaps. This study not only contributes critical data for conservation policies but also underscores the urgent need for further exploration of these biomes, with 101 new species and three new genera already described.
Changes in land use enhance the sensitivity of tropical ecosystems to fire-climate extremes
Record-breaking wildfires in the Pantanal, the world's largest contiguous wetland, in 2020 were driven by both extreme drought and human land-use changes. While severe drought provided the fuel for fires, spatial patterns of burning revealed that human activities—particularly low-intensity fires—amplified their impact on natural ecosystems. Over half (52%) of burned areas were within natural landscapes, with significant ecological consequences: vegetation productivity plummeted by more than 1.5 standard deviations across 30% of conservation areas, evaporation decreased by ~9%, and runoff increased by ~5%. These changes highlight the synergistic effects of climate extremes and land management on tropical wetlands, posing long-term risks to ecosystem recovery and fire resilience.
Compound impact of land use and extreme climate on the 2020 fire record of the Brazilian Pantanal
In 2020, the Brazilian Pantanal experienced unprecedented fire activity, with burned areas increasing by 200% compared to long-term averages. This surge was driven not only by extreme climate conditions—hotter and drier than historical norms—but also by intensified human activities, particularly on rural properties where 70% of fires occurred. The study, using climatic anomalies, fire recurrence maps, and land-use analysis, revealed that 35% of burned areas in 2020 were first-time events, with 84% occurring in natural vegetation, including forests. Forest fires contributed to 47% of carbon loss, highlighting the dual threat of climate change and human land-use practices. The findings underscore the need for stronger fire prevention strategies and enforcement to protect this critical conservation area.
Human Activity Behind the Unprecedented 2020 Wildfire in Brazilian Wetlands (Pantanal)
In 2020, the Pantanal—South America's largest wetland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—experienced its worst wildfire on record, with unprecedented destruction across vast areas, including previously unburned conservation units. A study revealed that human activity, particularly proximity to roads, waterways, and railways, was a critical factor in 80% of fire outbreaks, concentrated within 10 km of these infrastructure elements. While drought conditions (measured by the SPEI index) also played a role, the rapid spread of fires suggests that human-induced factors, such as road expansion plans, significantly exacerbated the disaster. This finding underscores the urgent need for improved environmental surveillance and fire management in the Pantanal to mitigate future risks.
Morphological and phenological strategies for flooding tolerance in Cerrado and Pantanal trees: implications for restoration under new legislation
All 13 tree species from the Cerrado and Pantanal biomes tested in this study survived waterlogging stress and recovered after simulated flooding, making them suitable for restoring periodically flooded riparian forests under Brazil's updated Native Vegetation Protection Law. The research highlights that morphological (e.g., adventitious roots, lenticels) and phenological (e.g., leaf renewal) adaptations enable trees to tolerate hypoxia caused by flooding, a critical factor given the law's shift in defining flood-prone areas—now based on regular watercourses rather than seasonal measurements. This finding is particularly relevant as climate change increases flooding risks, necessitating more resilient species for restoration efforts, including in artificially flooded areas like hydroelectric dam banks.
Movement ecology of vulnerable lowland tapirs between areas of varying human disturbance
Lowland tapirs exhibit remarkably consistent movement behavior and space use across diverse biomes, including the Pantanal, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest, regardless of varying levels of human disturbance. This unexpected finding challenges the assumption that anthropogenic impacts significantly alter animal movement patterns. Using a 22-year telemetry dataset, researchers analyzed tapir movement in areas with differing habitat composition and disturbance levels, revealing no detectable effect on their home range size or behavior. The study suggests that human-modified habitats may pose risks as ecological traps for lowland tapirs, necessitating tailored conservation strategies to protect this vulnerable species.
Quantifying the post‐fire recovery of taxonomic and functional diversity of dung beetles in the Brazilian Pantanal
A study on the Pantanal, the world's largest wetland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals that dung beetles exhibit high resistance to fire and rapid recovery post-fire. Researchers found that while taxonomic composition changed significantly 16 months after severe burns in 2019–2020, functional diversity remained stable, indicating that these insects are less sensitive to fire effects than previously thought. Dung beetles, known for their ecological roles such as seed dispersion and nutrient cycling, may aid in the restoration of burned areas, offering valuable insights for conservation strategies. The study combined taxonomic and functional diversity metrics to provide a comprehensive understanding of dung beetle responses to fire, highlighting their potential as tools for ecological restoration in fire-affected regions.
South American 2020 regional smoke plume: intercomparison with previous years, impact on solar radiation, and the role of Pantanal biomass burning season
In 2020, the Pantanal Conservation Area experienced unprecedented biomass burning, with fire counts up to three times higher than the previous 17 years (2003–2019), resulting in a significant regional smoke plume. This plume, covering approximately 2.6 million km² at its peak, surpassed recent years but was smaller than historical extremes like 2007 and 2010. Notably, smoke loading in 2020 exceeded that typically observed over Amazonia, indicating local burning dominance. The study, which analyzed fire counts and aerosol optical depth (AOD), found a mean AOD of ~0.7 at 550 nm, lower than previous extreme years but sufficient to cause a surface solar radiation deficit of up to 200 W m⁻² in October. The research highlights the impact of climate extremes and weak environmental enforcement on fire-prone ecosystems, offering insights for future conservation strategies.
Unveiling demographic and mating strategies of Panthera onca in the Pantanal, Brazil
A first-of-its-kind long-term study reveals that female jaguars (Panthera onca) in the Pantanal, Brazil, exhibit mating behavior during cub rearing or pregnancy, a potential defense against infanticide. The research, combining direct observations and camera trapping across a cattle ranch and ecotourism site, identified two birth peaks tied to wet seasons, with single cubs dominating litters (65.7%) and a slight female bias (1.15:1 ratio). Male jaguars showed sex-biased dispersal, while 63.6% of females exhibited philopatry. The study also estimated lifetime reproductive success for females at 8.13 cubs, providing critical data for conservation efforts and population viability analysis in this threatened apex predator.
Wildfires disproportionately affected jaguars in the Pantanal
Wildfires, particularly the severe 2020 fires, disproportionately impacted jaguars in the Pantanal, threatening their long-term survival. The study analyzed fire reach and intensity over 16 years, revealing that the 2020 fires burned 31% of the Pantanal, affecting 45% of the jaguar population (87% in Brazil), 79% of home range areas, and 54% of protected areas within these ranges. The fires consumed core habitats, leading to potential impacts on jaguars such as displacement, hunger, dehydration, territorial defense, and reduced fecundity. These effects may also destabilize the region's ecology by affecting less mobile species. The study suggests mitigating anthropogenic causes of drought, expanding protected areas, regulating fire use, and preemptive fire brigade deployment to prevent future mega-fires.
An assessment of spatial conservation priorities for biodiversity attributes: Composition, structure, and function of Neotropical biodiversity
No single biodiversity attribute—composition, structure, or function—can comprehensively represent conservation priorities on its own. This study demonstrates that integrating multiple surrogates is essential for identifying irreplaceable areas critical to Neotropical biodiversity. Researchers analyzed 8563 species (composition), 663 ecosystems (structure), and 5382 ecological groups (function) across the Pantanal Conservation Area and other global regions, revealing significant spatial mismatches when prioritizing conservation based on a single attribute. Critical conservation areas, often overlapping with threatened biodiversity hotspots like the Chaco, Atlantic Forest, and Pantanal, emerged where irreplaceable priorities converged across all attributes. The findings underscore the need for an integrative approach to conservation planning to avoid omitting key biodiversity values.
Bird Conservation in Brazil: Challenges and practical solutions for a key megadiverse country
Brazil, home to the highest bird diversity in the Americas, faces significant challenges with 166 threatened species. However, targeted conservation efforts—including the establishment of protected areas (79,500 hectares), private land initiatives, and direct species management—have shown promise in reversing this trend. Notable successes include population recovery for the Hyacinth Macaw in the Pantanal region and ongoing reintroduction programs for the critically endangered Spix's Macaw. Community engagement, bolstered by platforms like WikiAves and eBird, has filled critical knowledge gaps while fostering societal awareness. Despite political hurdles, integrated conservation strategies backed by scientific data and public participation offer hope for mitigating Brazil’s alarming status as a global hotspot for bird endangerment.
Is reintroduction a tool for the conservation of the jaguarPanthera onca? A case study in the Brazilian Pantanal
Reintroduction emerges as a viable conservation tool for the endangered jaguar (Panthera onca) in the Brazilian Pantanal, according to a study published in Oryx. Researchers successfully reintroduced two jaguars, previously held in rescue centers for 13 months, into a 53,000-hectare ranch where hunting is prohibited and prey is abundant. Using an adapted IUCN soft release protocol, the team observed that the jaguars established natural behaviors—including home ranges, movement patterns, and prey consumption—similar to those documented in wild populations. Over 11 months, the animals were monitored with GPS/VHF collars and accelerometers, demonstrating successful social integration and reproduction, which suggests reintroduction can stabilize declining jaguar populations in suitable habitats.
Knowledge gaps and biases in the Pantanal indicate future directions for ornithological research in large wetlands
Ornithological research in the Pantanal, one of the world's largest wetlands, reveals significant spatial, temporal, taxonomic, and biological response biases that hinder comprehensive bird conservation efforts. Studies overwhelmingly focus on the Brazilian Pantanal, neglecting Bolivia, and concentrate near urban centers while overlooking central regions. Temporal bias favors the dry season, potentially undermining migration studies. Certain bird families, such as Jacanidae, are overrepresented, whereas Tyrannidae is understudied, with a notable lack of research on threatened species. Behavioral, abundance, and reproduction studies dominate, leaving ecological processes like interspecific interactions under-explored. These gaps provide a roadmap for future research in the Pantanal and other global wetlands, emphasizing the need to address under-sampled regions and species, particularly in low-income countries with limited research capacity.
Predator-Prey Relationships and Spatial Ecology of Jaguars in the Southern Pantanal, Brazil: Implications for Conservation and Management
Jaguars in the southern Pantanal exhibit highly opportunistic foraging behavior, with cattle (31.7%), caimans (24.4%), and peccaries (21.0%) comprising their primary prey. Contrary to expectations, jaguar predation patterns did not favor forested habitats; instead, kills were distributed proportionally across available vegetation types. The study also revealed dynamic spatial ecology among jaguars, with female avoidance during the wet season and extensive male home range overlap year-round, challenging earlier assumptions about territorial behavior. These findings highlight the adaptability of jaguars to varying landscapes and underscore the need for long-term, large-scale monitoring to better understand their social interactions and conservation implications.
Reconciling biome-wide conservation of an apex carnivore with land-use economics in the increasingly threatened Pantanal wetlands
A recent study reveals that the Pantanal wetlands, a critical UNESCO World Heritage Site, could support jaguar conservation while balancing economic activities. The research found that 64% of the Pantanal offers suitable habitat for jaguars (Panthera onca), with jaguar presence positively linked to ecotourism and negatively correlated with intensive cattle ranching. This suggests a viable coexistence between conservation and land-use economics, though wildfires pose a growing threat by overlapping with jaguar habitats. The study used spatial models—jaguar distribution model (JDM), livestock density model, and ecotourism lodge density model—to assess these relationships across the biome. Highlighting the Pantanal's global significance as a jaguar stronghold, the findings underscore the need for proactive fire management to safeguard this apex predator and its ecosystem.
Risk of bird electrocution in power lines: a framework for prioritizing species and areas for conservation and impact mitigation
A novel framework identifies 283 bird species at risk of electrocution on power lines in Brazil, with raptors (76%) among the most vulnerable. The Pantanal Conservation Area stands out for its high cumulative susceptibility due to a concentration of large, perch- or nest-using species, while the Atlantic Forest region poses greater electrocution risk owing to spatial overlap between vulnerable species and dense power lines. This study bridges critical knowledge gaps in developing regions by modeling electrocution risk through species-specific exposure (pole density) and susceptibility (morphological/behavioral traits), enabling targeted conservation and mitigation strategies for high-risk areas and species. The approach offers a scalable solution for understudied global regions.
Simulating land use changes, sediment yields, and pesticide use in the Upper Paraguay River Basin: Implications for conservation of the Pantanal wetland
A significant increase in pesticide use is projected for the Upper Paraguay River Basin (UPRB) by 2050, with potential rises of up to 11.2% under accelerated anthropogenic changes and 7.4% under business-as-usual scenarios. These increases could pose severe threats to the Pantanal wetlands. The study, using Land Cover Land Use Change (LCLUC) modeling, highlights that sub-basins with extensive agricultural areas are particularly vulnerable. Mitigation strategies, such as implementing buffer zones around protected areas, could potentially curb pesticide load and sediment yields. The research underscores the need for substantial shifts in land management practices, involving technological advancements, policy changes, and enhanced dialogue among stakeholders to safeguard this critical ecosystem.
The role of unprotected and privately protected areas for ocelot conservation: densities in Colombia and Brazil
Research reveals that unprotected and privately protected areas play a crucial role in ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) conservation, even in the face of agricultural expansion and human disturbance. Ocelot densities were estimated at 11.0 ± 2.7 individuals per 100 km² in Colombia's Magdalena River valley, 13.2 ± 3.2 in the Colombian Llanos, and 10.3 ± 2.9 in Brazil's Serra do Amolar, using camera trapping and spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) models. Despite these areas' vulnerability to habitat loss, they remain vital for ocelot survival. The study underscores the need for land-use planning and sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate human impacts on ocelot populations.
Aquatic Birds at the Taiamã Ecological Station: Seasonal Variation of Community Structure and the Importance of Protected Areas in the Pantanal
Aquatic bird communities in the Pantanal, the world's largest floodplain, exhibit significant seasonal variation, with abundance and species richness peaking during the 'dequada' phenomenon—a natural process of submerged plant biomass decomposition at the onset of flooding. A study conducted at the Taiamã Ecological Station (TES) identified 45 aquatic bird species, with higher abundance observed within protected areas compared to surrounding regions. The research highlights the critical role of protected areas like TES in maintaining biodiversity, noting that only 5.37% of the Pantanal is currently conserved. The findings underscore the need for expanded protection to preserve these ecologically vital habitats.
Birds of the Ramsar site Estação Ecológica de Taiamã and buffer zone, Pantanal wetlands, Brazil
A comprehensive annotated list of bird species recorded at the Estação Ecológica de Taiamã (EET) Ramsar site and its buffer zone in Brazil's Pantanal wetlands reveals significant new findings. The study, conducted between 2015 and 2018, documented 207 bird species, with 76% of them newly recorded for this area. Notably, it includes the first record of the Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) in the Pantanal and Central Brazil, along with 30 additional new records for the EET, such as the migrant Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica). The general list encompasses 24 orders, 60 families, and 278 species, categorized into primary and secondary lists. This research contributes valuable data to the conservation of biodiversity in the Pantanal, highlighting the importance of the EET and its buffer zone for maintaining bird diversity. Expanding these boundaries could further enhance wetland conservation efforts.
High Genomic Variability in Equine Infectious Anemia Virus Obtained from Naturally Infected Horses in Pantanal, Brazil: An Endemic Region Case
A groundbreaking study reveals high genomic variability in the Equine Infectious Anemia Virus (EIAV) from naturally infected horses in Brazil's Pantanal region, an endemic area. Researchers obtained and annotated complete viral genomes for the first time, identifying significant nucleotide identity differences (88.6%) between Brazilian strains and established field strains (75.8-77.3%). Phylogenetic analysis suggests these Brazilian EIAV strains form a distinct monophyletic group. The study utilized next-generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger methodology to analyze RNA from plasma samples, uncovering conserved gag and pol genes but high variability in LTR and env sequences. Notably, amino acid changes were detected in the p26 protein, a common diagnostic target, with molecular modeling revealing surface epitope alterations. These findings advance understanding of EIAV's genetic diversity and its implications for diagnosis and control in endemic regions.
Camera traps as a tool for Carnivore conservation in a mosaic of Protected Areas in the Pantanal wetlands, Brazil
Camera trapping revealed the presence of eight carnivore species, including endangered jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor), and ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) in the Pantanal wetlands' Amolar Mountain Ridge Network. The study identified distinct activity patterns: jaguars and pumas exhibited cathemeral behavior, while ocelots and crab-eating foxes were primarily nocturnal, and Southern coatis and jaguarundis were diurnal. Despite challenges in detecting scansorial or low-density species like tayras (Eira barbara) and crab-eating raccoons (Procyon cancrivorus), camera trapping proved effective for studying carnivores and their prey in this mosaic of protected areas, providing critical data to inform conservation strategies.
Where have all the people gone? Enhancing global conservation using night lights and social media
A novel approach combining social media data and remote sensing identifies that half of all visitors to protected areas globally are concentrated in under 1% of these sites, often UNESCO World Heritage Sites with high accessibility. The study used Flickr photographs as a surrogate for visitor numbers, validated by local censuses, alongside night lights data to distinguish between urban and natural areas. Key hotspots like Brazil's Pantanal and Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni were found to attract significant visitation but remain largely unprotected. This integrated method offers real-time insights into spatial conservation gaps and pressures, demonstrating the potential of big data in global conservation efforts.
Medium to large size mammals of southern Serra do Amolar, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazilian Pantanal
A comprehensive inventory of medium to large-sized mammals in the southern Serra do Amolar, a critical biodiversity hotspot within Brazil's Pantanal biome, reveals 33 species from 18 families. This study, conducted non-invasively between 2009 and 2013 at Engenheiro Eliezer Batista Private Natural Heritage Reserve and Santa Tereza ranch, highlights the presence of endangered species like the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), vulnerable species such as the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), and near-threatened species including the jaguar (Panthera onca). The findings underscore the region's significance for mammal conservation in a broader ecological context, addressing a critical gap in biodiversity data for this understudied area.
Effects of Severe Floods and Droughts on Wildlife of the Pantanal Wetland (Brazil)—A Review
Severe floods and droughts significantly impact the wildlife of the Pantanal Wetland, Brazil, by altering habitats through tree mortality in riparian forests and modifying ecosystems adapted to seasonal water fluctuations. These extreme weather events, influenced by global climate phenomena like El Niño and La Niña, disrupt both natural systems and human activities such as cattle ranching and ecotourism. The study reviews how these natural disasters affect flora and fauna, emphasizing the need for adaptive wildlife management strategies to mitigate their effects on biodiversity and local economies.
Invasive species and bushmeat hunting contributing to wildlife conservation: the case of feral pigs in a Neotropical wetland
In the Brazilian Pantanal, feral pigs serve as a crucial buffer against bushmeat hunting of native wildlife, offering a culturally acceptable and readily available meat source. This study reveals that feral pigs are the primary hunting target in this Neotropical wetland, where human populations rarely hunt native species due to their scarcity or inaccessibility. Researchers used exploratory surveys, semi-structured interviews, skull collections, tooth wear analysis, and hunting registers to assess hunting patterns. While feral pigs mitigate hunting pressure on native wildlife, their ecological impacts remain uncertain, highlighting a complex conservation dilemma in non-protected areas.
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