Photo: Elenise Sipinski ©
Black-faced Lion Tamarin Conservation Program
Of extreme importance to the Grande Reserva Mata AtlĂąntica, the Black-faced Lion Tamarin Monitoring and Conservation Program aims to protect the species and its natural habitat. Through its actions, it is also possible to strengthen the tourism potential of the areas involved and promote the development of restorative economic activitiesâthose based on the use of local resources for the benefit of the community.
In operation since 2018, the Program encompasses activities in the Cananéia State Park (SP) and Superagui National Park (PR) Conservation Units, intensifying the bridge between the local and scientific communities, expanding scientific knowledge about the black-faced lion tamarin, as well as encouraging partnerships and the creation of jobs and income.
Photo: Elenise Sipinski ©
About the species
The black-faced lion tamarin (Leontopithecus caissara), also known as mico-caiçara, lives exclusively in a small portion of the Atlantic Forest, between the states of ParanĂĄ (PR) and SĂŁo Paulo (SP), in a habitat of incalculable natural wealth. The animal is a source of pride for local communities. However, in the latest population estimate, 400 individuals were recorded in the wild, a worrying number for the species, classified as “endangered” by the National List of Endangered Species of the Ministry of the Environment (MMA).
The main threats to the black-faced lion tamarin are related to population isolation caused by habitat disconnection, in addition to the loss of continental distribution areas for the species. In Paranå, the species is only found on Superagui Island and the continental portion known as Rio dos Patos, within the Superagui National Park, and in São Paulo in the continental portion of the Ariri region, which includes the Lagamar de Cananéia State Park and its surroundings.
Photo: Elenise Sipinski ©
Why support the initiative?
The rapprochement between popular and scientific knowledge is one of the most valuable aspects of the initiative. The result has been the employment of local residents who have knowledge about the black-faced lion tamarin and its habitat, as well as scientific development. All this combined with the conservation of a unique and extremely rare species.
As a funder or supporter of the Program, the Public Power can consolidate the building of partnerships, offering and receiving support for the development of other activities linked to the conservation of local biodiversity. Research institutions are extremely important allies, gaining more knowledge about the speciesâstill little studiedâthrough direct observation and bridges built with local residents.
The partner can also benefit from the charismatic figure of the black-faced lion tamarin in institutional communication actions, for example. Its image can also contribute to conservation education actions, helping to raise awareness among children and young people, collaborators, suppliers, and other partners.
Your company’s or institution’s brand can also appear as a protector of the species and its restricted habitat, with visibility on SPVS and Program channels (consult partnership forms). Creating digital and offline media content and enhancing socio-environmental responsibility reports are strategies that can stand out with society and the company’s target audience. Furthermore, by being a funder, the organization invests in educational actions carried out in communities near the black-faced lion tamarin.
Photo: Elenise Sipinski ©
Who can support?
Non-governmental organizations, local communities, research institutions, companies, and the Public Power can help continue this work aimed at conserving the species in nature.
Are you interested in helping conserve this species and its habitat, as well as promoting the development of the surrounding area? Contact us to ask questions and evaluate how to start partnership proposals.
Initiative Results
The Program’s proposal aligns with the vision of the Grande Reserva Mata AtlĂąntica and is in line with the National Action Plan (PAN) for the Conservation of Atlantic Forest Primates and the Maned Sloth, published by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio).
With the union of residents, researchers, and supporters, it was possible, for example, to install camera traps in the natural environment, capturing precious imagesâthe success was achieved with the recording of the species. The knowledge of local residents also motivated a better understanding of the Conservation Units, a strategy closely linked to the preservation of the species, given that it is extremely vulnerable to environmental changes.
Drone overflights were also carried out in 2019 to monitor the restoration of this area, resulting in the publication of a panel at a scientific event. Also in 2019, another panel was presented at a scientific event on the influence of yellow fever on primates, both published by the team that integrates the Program. These documents assist in recording events, serving as a reference for other institutions and initiatives that may face similar occurrences in the future.
In September 2019, the ABUN Group (Artists Biologists United for Nature), created by American artist Kitty Harvill and German Christoph Hrdina, brought together more than a thousand artists from around the world to produce materials in various styles to contribute to the actions of the Black-faced Lion Tamarin Conservation Project. The action is part of the communication and education efforts for the conservation of the species, constant work fronts.
Photo: Elenise Sipinski ©
The following institutions also participate in the Program:
Golden Lion Tamarin Association (AMLD); DeFau – Department of Fauna of Infrastructure and Environment of SP; SĂŁo Paulo State Forestry Foundation; CananĂ©ia Research Institute (IPeC); Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio); Fiocruz Institutional Platform for Biodiversity and Wildlife Health and Minas Gerais State University (UEMG).
Meet those who
support the project's actions
BLACK-FACED LION TAMARIN CONSERVATION
