A new wildlife refuge established in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest will help protect critical habitat for threatened species in one of the planet’s most imperiled ecosystems. Created by the Municipality of Salesópolis, with technical support from SAVE Brasil, Rainforest Trust, and American Bird Conservancy (ABC), the Marsh Antwren Wildlife Refuge represents a major milestone in protecting one of the last essential areas for the species’ survival, while also contributing to the conservation of the Atlantic Forest, a globally significant biome where decades of deforestation and fragmentation have placed extraordinary  pressure on biodiversity.

“The creation of this refuge in Salesópolis marks a major milestone for the survival of the São Paulo Marsh Antwren, an endemic species found only in Brazil and restricted to the state of São Paulo.”

Alice Reisfeld, CEO of SAVE Brasil

By protecting one of the last remaining areas where the species can continue to thrive safely, this initiative represents a significant advance for bird conservation in the Atlantic Forest and reinforces the region’s commitment to safeguarding its unique biodiversity for future generations.

The Salesópolis Wildlife Refuge will protect over 14,000 acres of Atlantic Forest and marsh habitat in São Paulo state, safeguarding habitats critical to the  São Paulo Marsh Antwren as well as other threatened species such as the Buffy-fronted Seedeater (Sporophila frontalis) and the Crowned Solitary Eagle (Buteogallus coronatus). The refuge also strengthens ecological connectivity within one of the world’s most fragmented and threatened tropical forest ecosystems.

“Rainforest Trust is proud to support the establishment of the Salesópolis Wildlife Refuge, a vital step forward for the Atlantic Forest and the threatened species that depend on it. This refuge shows the power of local leadership and global partnership to secure critical habitat for the São Paulo Marsh Antwren and for the extraordinary web of life that depends on this forest.”

James Deutsch, CEO of Rainforest Trust

Habitat is the foundation for birds’ survival. For range-restricted species like the Marsh Antwren which is under particular threat of habitat loss because of its proximity to a booming urban population, protecting what remains of their limited habitat is essential.

“With a population size estimated at less than 700, the Marsh Antwren now has a brighter future ahead. The creation of the Marsh Antwren Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Brazil will play a key role in ensuring this critically endangered species thrives. Thanks to years of partnership efforts, we reached a significant milestone in conserving habitat for some of the region’s quickest-vanishing birds.”

Daniel Lebbin, Vice President of Threatened Species at ABC

The Wildlife Refuge is the second protected area established with support from SAVE Brasil for safeguarding Marsh Antwren habitat; the first being the Refúgio de Vida Silvestre do Bicudinho in the municipality of Guararema, with 5861 acres.

About SAVE Brasil

SAVE Brasil is a nonprofit civil society organization dedicated to the conservation of Brazilian birds and their habitats. It operates across different regions of the country, developing research, conservation, habitat restoration, education, and public engagement projects aimed at protecting biodiversity. As the Brazilian Partner of BirdLife International, SAVE Brasil works to protect threatened species, conserve important areas for birds, and strengthen the connection between people and nature. Its actions contribute to the conservation of ecosystems such as the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Pampa, southern grasslands, mangroves, and coastal areas. Learn more about the work of SAVE Brasil visiting savebrasil.org.br or @savebrasil on Instagram.

About Rainforest Trust

Since 1988, Rainforest Trust has been working with partners to safeguard imperiled tropical habitats and threatened species by helping to establish protected and conserved areas in partnership with Indigenous and local organizations and communities. To date, Rainforest Trust has helped protect more than 60 million acres of vital habitat across Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. Rainforest Trust is a nonprofit organization that relies upon the generous support of the public to successfully implement its important conservation action. The organization is proud of earning a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Learn more about the work of Rainforest Trust by visiting RainforestTrust.org, X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

About American Bird Conservancy

American Bird Conservancy (ABC) takes bold action to conserve wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. Inspired by the wonder of birds, we achieve lasting results for the bird species most in need while also benefiting human communities, biodiversity, and the planet’s fragile climate. Our every action is underpinned by science, strengthened by partnerships, and rooted in the belief that diverse perspectives yield stronger results. Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1994, ABC remains committed to safeguarding birds for generations to come. Join us! Together, we can do more to ensure birds thrive.

For media inquiries

SAVE Brasil, Marina Fagundes, comunicacao@savebrasil.org.br

Rainforest Trust, Brynn Garner, brynn.garner@rainforesttrust.org

American Bird Conservancy, Agatha Szczepaniak, media@abcbirds.org