CITIZEN SCIENCE
Sharing observations on the iNaturalist platform encourages citizen science and the exchange of knowledge within a community curious to find out about and wishing to identify different species around the world. This is a great way to bring experts, enthusiastic amateurs and those with a casual interest in the wildlife around them together. It enables the sharing of sightings in the natural world which leads to exchange knowledge and even the discovery of new or very rare species. At REGUA, we have already carried out two bioblitz events, in which we've been able to record more than 1500 observations of species of fauna and flora. Since then we have created the iNaturalist project “REGUA Biodiversity Celebration” and we encourage all our visitors, both scientific and casual to send their photographs in so we can build on the knowledge of species present.
We would ask everyone who has photographed any species of fauna or flora at REGUA to contribute by uploading photos, even if they were taken a while ago. We can mention some interesting areas of REGUA, such as “Valdenor” in Estreito, a transition area composed of restored environments and secondary forests; the green trail and the “Fragmento”, where there is an old remnant of forest in good condition; and also the Vecchi area, 15 km away from REGUA, composed of open areas, which provide good observations of the local biodiversity.
Would you like to help REGUA gather more important information and contribute valuable sightings?
If so, join us now and add your observation
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/regua-biodiversity-celebration.
No Legend - (Waiting for the Files)
After many years of hosting researchers and volunteers from around the world, REGUA's reputation continues to grow. Many people have visited the reserve over the years to help and contribute their expertise, this key activity has long attracted the American Earthwatch Institute. With the aim of examining the local ecosystem and the restoration of the Atlantic Forest. Dr. Manoel Muanis of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro has developed a programme to attract conservation and proactive Earthwatch volunteers.
No Legend - (Waiting for the Files)
Dr. Manoel Muanis includes the use of camera traps to record the movement of mammals in different phases of the REGUA Restored Area and compare this with the native forest. The objective is to compare populations of these animals in both forest types, to understand whether the net benefits in ecosystem services and functions are comparable. This is explained in more detail on the Earthwatch website https://earthwatch.org/Expeditions/Wildlife-and-Reforestation-in-Brazil
As Dr Muanis has said "Mammals act as a regulator for a variety of interactions among a wide diversity of species, so the health of mammal populations can be used as an indicator of overall ecosystem health. Understanding the extent to which vegetation recovery also restores diversity of mammals will provide data on the long-term health and sustainability of these reforested areas".
"This study will contribute directly to REGUA's management plan. As we work to manage and restore the world's forests, information on how best to manage that process and restore ecosystem functions is fundamental".
No Legend - (Waiting for the Files)
No Legend - (Waiting for the Files)
The Fiocruz SISS-Geo (Silver Health Information System) team, together with the technical team of the General Coordination of Zoonoses (infectious diseases transmitted between species from animals to humans), the General Coordination of Arboviruses and Systems of the Ministry of Health, participated in two workshops at REGUA. A joint effort for the integration of wild and urban zoonoses in citizen science platform called SISS-Geo. This is a computerised and participatory tool for monitoring pathogenic agents that circulate in nature or on the edges of rural and urban environments, based on the recording of observations of animals in the field carried out by ordinary citizens, researchers and specialists in wildlife. It is important to act before diseases affect people and animals! These workshops are always very productive.