A large heron colony at Batista Campos Square in Belém is linked to the buildup of droppings and the airborne spread of Cryptococcus. A researcher recommends cleaning, bird management and masks.
On Pará’s northeastern coast, Salinópolis brings together ocean beaches, dramatic tidal changes and mangroves that sustain marine life. About 4 hours from Belém by car, the destination reveals the energy of the Amazonian coast.
Community management has turned the arapaima’s vulnerability into an opportunity for conservation and sustainable development in Amazon lakes. Annual counts and strict fishing quotas protect the species while strengthening local economies.
The maned wolf spreads lobeira seeds across Brazil’s Cerrado and helps restore areas affected by fire. Their partnership shows how the loss of one species can disrupt an entire ecosystem.
On the world’s largest fluvio-marine archipelago, water buffaloes are part of daily life, local food and Marajó’s identity. Flooded fields, freshwater beaches and ancient pottery reveal an island shaped by the Amazon and the Atlantic.
Giant Amazon trees release immense amounts of water vapor and help move moisture across South America. This living cycle supports rainfall, farming, hydropower and urban water supplies far beyond the forest.
The Brazil nut tree depends on Eulaema bees, agoutis and a continuous Amazon forest to reproduce. Remove any one of these links and the tree loses its ability to create new generations.
The toco toucan spreads large seeds intact and links separated parts of the Amazon through flights between feeding and resting areas. Its quiet work helps renew palm trees and sustain the forest’s diversity.
The loss of natural corridors and abundant food in urban parks are pushing capybaras into Brazil’s metropolitan areas. Their presence also creates new challenges involving spotted fever, public health and city planning.
On Brazil’s Juruá River, river communities use drones to count pirarucu, follow fishing quotas and strengthen local incomes. The technology works alongside traditional knowledge to protect an entire aquatic ecosystem.
