Our journey began in 2010 with a pioneering project aimed at reintroducing the vinaceous-breasted parrot (Amazona vinacea) to the Araucárias National Park. Over the years, the project has successfully rehabilitated more than 500 individuals, releasing and monitoring around 250 parrots in an area where the species had previously gone extinct. We actively engage with local communities through environmental education, citizen science initiatives, and income generating programs, particularly for women.
In 2019, we launched a second reintroduction project focused on the brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba) on Santa Catarina Island. After more than four years of rehabilitation, the first group of brown howler monkeys was released in early 2024. To date, 16 individuals have been successfully reintroduced into the island’s forests, with ongoing monitoring and educational efforts. This project is helping to reverse the species' local extinction, which lasted for over 260 years.
Looking ahead, Instituto Fauna Brasil plans to reintroduce other species that once thrived on Santa Catarina Island. A feasibility study is currently underway to assess the reintroduction of threatened small wild cat species, aiming to restore predators to an island where all wild feline species have disappeared due to human activities
The institute also organizes bird-watching events, "Vem Passarinhar," which foster community engagement with nature and build a network dedicated to wildlife conservation. These events are held in Santa Catarina Island and the Araucárias National Park area, strengthening local connections to the region's biodiversity and reintroduction efforts. Additionally, they serve as a source of income for local guides, creating economic opportunities while promoting nature conservation.
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