Tag Archives: atlantic forest

Endangered Primates Of Brazil

Posted on by

Within Brazil’s lush forests, the fates of two species of endangered primates hang in the balance; in order to support the survival of these species, as well as he cause of Brazilian biodiversity, it is important to understand the issues that impact these endangered species, as well as the negative ramifications of the prospective extinction of these intelligent and beautiful Brazilian primates.

Losing species is undesirable for a host of reasons. For example, losing just one species may impact the survival of many other species, since every bird, fish and animal has its place in the natural order of things. Therefore, protecting endangered primates in Brazil is imperative. Of course, one must also consider the value of the endangered species in question as bright, active creatures whose movements and social habits inspire so much fascination, study, and admiration.

As human beings, we are linked with primates through evolution. Therefore, protecting these creatures should always be a priority. Now that you know more about the perils of extinction with regard to the primates of Brazil (and Brazilian biodiversity in general), let’s examine exactly which species are currently at risk.

Which Species Of Endangered Primates Live In Brazil?

According to the Primate Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Cebus Flavius (Macaco-prego-galego) is one of Brazil’s endangered primate species. This species of primates dwells in the Atlantic Forest, in the north-east area of Brazil. Also known as blond capuchin monkeys, these small, curious and agile creatures were first discovered by Georg Marcgrave in the 17th century.

The other endangered species is known as the Callicebus Barbarabrownae (Guigo-da-caatinga), or blond Titi monkey. This primate is currently considered at even greater risk for extinction than the blond capuchin monkey. Formerly classified as a sub-species of masked Titi monkeys, this type of monkey later received a full species designation of its own. Like the blond capuchin monkey, these primates are native to Brazil’s north-eastern Atlantic Forest. The blond Titi monkey is the proud owner of a startling orange tail, and he or she also displays areas of dark fur along the head and face.

Why Are These Brazilian Primates Endangered?

Brazil’s Atlantic Forest has been depleted over the years, and it is the home to both species of endangered monkeys. It is safe to say that the Atlantic Forest habitat of these charming, inquisitive creatures is to blame for their current endangered status. Brazilian biodiversity is in peril in the Atlantic Forest, which now features a host of degraded areas, some of which are currently protected from more destructive farming, hunting, and development.

For centuries, the Atlantic Forest offered humans a rich bounty of lumber, sugar cane, coffee beans, and other commodities. Over-harvested for hundreds of years, the region has become a poignant symbol of the need for stricter laws that promote Brazilian biodiversity.

Activists are committed to saving the endangered primates of Brazil and to promoting better Brazilian biodiversity. With any luck, their efforts may allow the blond capuchin monkey and blond Titi monkey to survive in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest region.

The Birds Of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest

Posted on by

Brazilian biodiversity is at its peak in the Atlantic forest, which features 55 species of birds, as well as hundreds of primates, reptiles and examples of marine life. However, this region, which is located in the northeastern section of the country, is currently ravaged by the over-harvesting of natural resources, such as trees and minerals. Hunting is also a threat to these beautiful and exotic birds. Examples of species of birds which live in this tropical and sub-tropical moist forest region include toucans, parrots and eagles.

New Species Of Atlantic Forest Birds Still Being Discovered

Despite heavy de-forestation and loss of habitat in this 4,000 kilometer region, previously unknown species of birds are still being found in the Atlantic Forest, including the Grey-winged Cotinga Tijuca Condita, which was first classified by biologists in the 1980s. Many animal rights and environmental organizations that support Brazilian biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest, such as Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund, are devoted to preserving the habitats (and survival) of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest birds.

Toucans Of The Atlantic Forest

These colorful birds, which have long, prominent beaks, are usually found in tropical and sub-tropical environs. Toucan nests are found in holes of trees. Since the Toucan’s large beak isn’t a good tool for boring holes in tree trunks, this type of bird seeks out holes created by other birds, including woodpeckers, and then crafts nests within the hollows. Toucans prefer to eat fruit; however, they may also snack on insects or tiny reptiles in order to survive. Toucans play a vital role in the Atlantic Forest by spreading fruit seeds in trees.

Parrots Of Northeast Brazil

Parrots of the Atlantic Forest have curved bills, and they stand upright on sturdy legs and clawed feet. These parrots may feature plumage in an arresting rainbow-riot of colors. However, certain parrots found in Northeast Brazil will not be multicolored. For example, certain parrots known as cockatoos may be quite dark in appearance, and they may display crests of feathers on the crowns of their heads. Parrots munch on seeds, nuts, fruit, and other plant-based foods. Occasionally, parrots will feast on the carcasses of animals. Parrots, like Toucans, prefer to live in nests located in the holes of trees.

Eagles Of The Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Eagles found in Northeast Brazil’s Atlantic Forest area are big and strong birds of prey, which feature distinctively heavy heads and bills. These birds fly with great skill, and they are predators that inspire fear in many small animals. Due to their excellent vision and aerodynamic feathers, they have the ability to target prey with relative ease and speed. Eagles in the Atlantic Forest live in treetops or on high cliffs; these powerful birds build nests that give them eagles-eye views of the entire forest region.

Now that you know more about Brazilian biodiversity and the Atlantic Forest’s beautiful birds, you’ll understand why preserving the Atlantic Forest is so important.  When Brazilian biodiversity in this area is threatened, the entire eco-system is at risk, which may affect the fate of many species of animal, avian, reptile and plant life. Certain areas of the Atlantic Forest are now protected from hunting and harvesting, thereby offering Brazilian birds a better chance of surviving to be admired by newer generations.