Thanks to a matching pledge from the National Committee of the Netherlands (IUCN-NL), a 116-acre nature reserve was established in partnership with the Associação Amigos do Meio Ambiente (AMA) to save the critical Araucaria forest while offering a refuge to the rare bird species that rely on its existence for continued survival. The new reserve, which adjoins other protected areas in the Santa Catarina Highlands, will be part of an ecological corridor and improve habitat connectivity for local species.

Found in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, the Araucaria moist forest is home to an impressive array of biodiversity, most notably its imperiled birdlife. Included among these species are the Vinaceous-breasted Parrot, the Red-spectacled Parrot, and the Crowned Solitary Eagle.

The forest, which is a relic of a once-extensive ecosystem, is threatened by logging, expanding agricultural production and the introduction of exotic species. Combined, these threats put the survival of many species at risk.

Rainforest Trust is partnering with AMA to create a 116-acre nature reserve that will save a critical Araucaria forest while offering a refuge to the rare bird species that rely on its existence for continued survival. The new reserve, which adjoins other protected areas in the Santa Catarina Highlands, will be part of an ecological corridor and improve habitat connectivity for local species.

Deforestation and the creation of exotic pine plantations have destroyed much of the original forests in the Santa Catarina Highlands. Introduced pine species outcompete and easily replace Paraná pines and, once gone, these trees recover slowly and only with difficulty.

The forests are further threatened by expanding agricultural production and cattle ranching. Stock allowed to enter the Araucaria forest prevent regeneration by trampling and consuming vegetation.

Creation of the High Altitude Parrot Reserve will preserve an important fragment of Araucaria moist forest, while supporting populations of threatened bird species like the Vinaceous-breasted Parrot, the Crowned Solitary Eagle, and the Red-spectacled Parrot, among others.

Creation of the reserve will also help establish an ecological corridor connecting it to other protected areas in the Serra Catarina Highlands. In addition, damaged areas will be reforested with native plants and Friends of the Environment will work with the owners of neighboring lands to build partnerships and encourage local involvement in conservation efforts. Friends of the Environment will also collaborate with higher education institutions in the region and with federal environmental agencies, including Santa Catarina’s Environmental Police Unit, to monitor the reserve and ensure its successful management.