Conservation of the Black-fronted Piping-Guan
in San Rafael Conservation Area, Paraguay
Region: |
Southeastern
Paraguay |
Partner: |
Guyra Paraguay |
Initiation: |
July 2007 |
 |
|
Introduction: The
forests of San Rafael protect the watershed of a major tributary
of the Paraguay-Parana river system and are the most important
tract of Atlantic Forest remaining in Paraguay. This critical
wildlife habitat harbors more than 300 species of birds and
is internationally recognized as one of the highest biodiversity
regions on the globe and is one of the top five global "hotspots"
for conservation. The San Rafael forests are currently being
logged and converted to agriculture and cattle raising. The
Atlantic Forest is highly threatened across Paraguay and Brazil.
This area is home to the Endangered Black-fronted
Piping Guan (Pipile jacutinga) and Vulnerable species
such as the Vinaceous Amazon (Amazona vinacea), Helmeted
Woodpecker (Dryocopus galeatus), Russet-winged Spadebill
(Platyrinchus leucoryphus), and the Strange-tailed
Tyrant (Alectrurus risora). There are other key species
at San Rafael as well, such as the Endangered giant otter
(Pteronura brasiliensis), bushdog (Speothos venaticus),
and giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus).
Not only is the area important for birds,
it is also of importance for the survival of the indigenous
cultures such as the Mbya Guarani, who rely on the forests
of San Rafael for their livelihood. One of the few native
populations in the Paraguayan Atlantic Forest that has had
enough land for a sustainable lifestyle. The preservation
of this land is of vital importance for their future, so the
Mbya can have an adequate environment to live according to
their ancestral traditions.
Objective:
To acquire and protect 15,000 hectares (37,000 acres) of core
land in the San Rafael Reserve within the Upper Parana Atlantic
Forest ecoregion.
Actions:
1. To acquire core land in the San Rafael National Park reserve
area.
2. To develop an agreement for a sustainable management plan
for the conservation of San Rafael between property owners,
indigenous people and other local inhabitants and government
and non-government organizations.
3. To hire and train people who can monitor and protect lands
in the reserve.
4. To develop ecotourism, to help sustain the reserve.
Accomplishments:
Added 1,138 hectares (2,812 acres) to the San Rafael Reserve
in February 2008.
For more information about this project,
contact
|
Mission and Vision 
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