Jaguar population falls 90% in Iguazu National Park

There are only 18 animals living in the area; species may disappear from the region in 80 years, reveals study
by Globo Rural Online


Disappearance of prey puts jaguars at risk in Iguazu National Park

The presence of the jaguar in the Iguaçu National Park should not last more than 80 years. This is the main conclusion of a study by the National Center for Research and Conservation of Mammals Carnivores (Cenap), the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio). The researchers showed a 90% drop in the number of jaguars found in the park.

Previous records have pointed out the existence of 180 animals in the area. Today, the jaguars in the park are only 18. Monitoring, maintained by the company that owns the Hotel das Cataratas and required in the concession bidding hotel, had a gap of ten years and returned to be done in 2009.

"Genetic analysis we did in 2010 in the population indicate that she is suffering and, if not rapid and effective action, the probability of extinction is 80 years, according to mathematical models," said Ronaldo Morato, coordinator Cenap.

Today, there is no record in the park peccaries, the preferred prey of the jaguar. "So the risk of extinction of Oz is also great," says Morato. The head of the park, Jorge Pegoraro, says there are 40 men's Environmental Police of Paraná working in the area. "Still, there is little people. Personal foul, missing features and structures, such as truck and put in several counties, to curb crimes. "

Parque Nacional do Iguaçu

The Iguazú National Park is a conservation area which houses the largest Brazilian Atlantic forest of southern Brazil and protects a rich biodiversity, consisting of representative species of the Brazilian fauna and flora, some of which are endangered.

There are many small roads and properties in the region, located in the extreme west of Paraná, 17 km from the center of Foz do Iguaçu and only 5 km from the International Airport of Foz do Iguaçu. The park suffers from hunting, fishing and illegal exploitation of palm.

Last Sunday (23/6), there was a protest against the opening of Settler Road Paths that, according to the protesters, put under threat the conservation of biodiversity in the region.

Source: Globo Rural magazine