The forest fires that hit the Pantanal have put the region’s rich biodiversity at risk. An area equivalent to four times the size of the city of Rio de Janeiro has already been hit by destructive flames this year.
This devastation seriously threatens local fauna and flora, including iconic species such as the jaguar, the macaw and the giant otter. Many animals are forced to migrate in search of refuge, destabilizing the fragile balance of the ecosystem.
Rescue Efforts
The Pantanal Animal Technical Rescue Group (Gretap), based in Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, has been working tirelessly to rescue injured and displaced animals. In an interview with CNN the group’s coordinator, Paula Helena, reported the shocking scenes witnessed during the first raids.
“We found reptiles, amphibians and birds that had already been consumed by fire or were suffering from smoke inhalation,” said Paula. “We also saw a huge amount of incinerated invertebrates, which are the staple food of many vertebrates.”
Challenging Access
According to the coordinator, access to the affected areas is extremely difficult, requiring long walks of up to two hours. However, the group uses specialized techniques, such as blowguns and anesthetic darts, to capture and rescue the injured animals.
“In 2020, we had some remarkable cases, such as two jaguars with burnt paws and an entire herd of injured peccaries,” Paula recalls. These animals were transported by air and boat to receive medical treatment.
With forest fires intensifying, Gretap’s work is crucial to preserving the Pantanal’s natural heritage and ensuring the survival of its emblematic species.
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Source: CNN Brasil
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