Two new projects in Brazil have been added to the WildWings/Ecovolunteers program of working conservation holidays. The Jaguar Predation on Livestock project in the Pantanal is focused on conserving one of the most threatened jaguar populations in Brazil and the Rancho dos Gnomos Sanctuary in Sao Paulo is pioneering the use of alternative therapies, such as homeopathy and colour therapy, for treating the emotional stress of the sanctuary’s inhabitants.

Jaguar Project in Brazil’s Pantanal

Ecovolunteer’s Jaguar Predation on Livestock project in Brazil’s Pantanal region has been created to study the impact of two felines – jaguars and pumas - on domestic livestock.  Habitat loss coupled with the effects of poaching on their usual prey, have forced these predatory creatures to co-exist in close proximity with domestic animals with dreadful consequences. 

Now there’s an opportunity to make a difference – a team of just four ecovolunteers, led by experienced researchers, will spend two-week stints on a private ranch in the west-Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, with the objective to conserve one of the most threatened populations of jaguars in Brazil and to find a workable solution for local people in areas where jaguars prey on their livestock.

Working towards achieving the project goals, Ecovolunteers will capture the animals to fit radio collars and to collect genetic samples, track their movements with radio transmitters and record signs of their prey, as well as visit livestock ranches to record attacks and to assist with livestock management. 

Implementation of preventative methods is vital to the project.  Predation incidents on livestock need to be minimised and the number of jaguar mortalities due to retaliation after livestock killings reduced.  Equally important is recording the attitude of local people towards jaguars and their opinion on the solutions for the conflict between these large carnivores and the human population. 

The project is based in a private ranch around 200km from Campo Grande, the state capital of Mato Grosso do Sul, and around 34km from the nearest town, Miranda.  The working ranch practices sustainable development, the main components being cattle ranching (they have around 6000 heads of cattle), ecotourism and scientific research.

Snuggled up against the Bolivian and Paraguayan borders, Matto Grosso do Sul encompasses most of the Pantanal’s 138 square kilometres.  The Pantanal is a well-known mecca for wildlife, supporting over 650 species of birds, 80 mammals, 50 reptiles and 250 species of fish.  It is home to giant otters, jaguarundi, ocelot, puma and, of course, jaguar.  And, within the ranch, it’s very easy to spot crab-eating fox, crab-eating raccoon and coati.  Several species of bird add colour to the scene including

the toucan and the increasingly rare hyacinth macaw.  It’s highly likely that participants will see some species in their natural habitat without any interruption to their behaviour and it wouldn’t be unusual to see jaguars crossing the main roads of the ranch even during daylight hours.   

This is a year-round project with monthly departures.  Two weeks costs £630 per person with each additional week at £245 per person including accommodation at the research base, meals taken with the ranch employees (another opportunity to get involved with local people and their culture), return transport from Miranda to the base and participation in the project activities.  Flights to/from Campo Grande in Brazil are not included, nor is the transportation from Campo Grande to Miranda (a regular bus service operates this route).

Alternative Therapies used to Relieve Stress at Brazilian Animal Sanctuary

The latest addition to the Ecovolunteers program of working conservation holidays is the Rancho dos Gnomos Sanctuary in Sao Paulo, Brazil where alternative therapies such as homeopathy, aromatherapy, colour and music therapy are all used successfully in the treatment of emotional stress for the sanctuary’s inhabitants – all animals who have been victims of abuse. 

Located in the city of Cotia, around 90 minutes by car from Sao Paulo international airport, the sanctuary is registered with the Brazilian environmental institute (Ibama) and is also an affiliated member of the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA). 

Open 24/7, the sanctuary takes in the unfortunate victims of deforestation, animal trafficing, mistreatment and also the circus and skin trades.  Many different species are cared for including 13 lions – all saved from a circus – a Bengal tiger, monkeys, chinchillas, iguana, parrots, macaws and toucans as well as domestic dogs and cats.

The sanctuary’s daily routine may be demanding – in some cases participants are quite likely to be literally saving the animals lives as well as cleaning, feeding and building their shelters.  No wonder ‘serenity’ is one of the characteristics listed in the project notes.  Rancho dos Gnomos Sanctuary uniforms are provided for everyday wear and are available to take home as a souvenir. However, when not wearing the uniform the recommended colour scheme is ‘neutral’.  Something related to the colour therapy, perhaps?

Accommodation is in simple, yet comfortable, two-people lodges built from an interesting mix of recycled milk boxes and toothpaste tubes.  All meals are vegetarian and, for those looking for a completely healthy break, no alcohol is allowed.  A quick dip in the pool or, maybe, a relaxing hammock will be a fitting end to a busy yet certainly fulfilling day. 

Sundays are free for sightseeing and most participants choose to visit either Zu Lai Buddhist Temple, the largest temple in Latin America, or the local handicraft fair at Embu das Artes, both are around 20-30 minutes drive from the sanctuary. 

Participants must be a minimum of 18 years old and be available for at least two weeks.  The sanctuary welcomes handicapped people (including those in a wheelchair).  However, all participants must be in good health. 

The project is year-round and participants are asked to arrive on a Sunday if possible.  Two weeks participation at the sanctuary costs £645 per person with each additional week costing £245 per person.  Included in the price is accommodation and meals, return transport to/from Sao Paolo airport and participation in the project activities.  Flights to/from Sao Paolo are not included. 

Notes to editors:

1)    WildWings has been the UK agent for Ecovolunteers since 2000.

2)    Many other international projects set in wild and remote destinations can be found on the website www.ecovolunteer.org.uk

3)    For reservations and enquiries please contact Rose Walker at WildWings on 0117 9658 333 / evs@wildwings.co.uk

4)    WildWings website, www.wildwings.co.uk

5)    For press enquiries and images please contact Debra Taylor at toucanmoon on 01491 613424 debra@toucanmoon.com

20 April 2006

For press enquiries please contact Debra Taylor at toucanmoon 01491 613424 debra@toucanmoon.com

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Prepared by toucanmoon /12 January 2005
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(t) 01491 613424 (e) debra@toucanmoon.com