By V.E.K.Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Following the devastation caused by colonial plantations, an ambitious rewilding program is now striving to ensure the survival of Rio de Janeiro's ancient rainforest.
In 1967, the Tijuca Forest was declared a national park, divided into three non contiguous sectors the Tijuca Forest west of the city center, Carioca where the world renowned Cristo Redentor statue is located, and the Pedra Bonita and Gávea mountains overlooking the beach. Tijuca National Park has since become Brazil's most visited, attracting more than 3.5 million visitors annually.
"Picture Rio without the forest, just bare mountains and the sea it wouldn't be the wonderful city it is," said Fernando Fernandez, a professor of ecology at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and co founder of the conservation organization Project Refauna.
The Tijuca Forest is not just a scenic wonder it plays a critical role as a temperature regulator and freshwater source for Brazil's second largest metropolis. However, Fernandez notes that the forest is not as healthy as it appears.
Hiking through Tijuca National Park reveals seemingly thriving flora and fauna, with trails leading to over 30 waterfalls and iconic climbs like Pedra da Gávea and Pedra Bonita. However, despite the lush appearance, Fernandez indicates that the tall trees are slowly dying and not being replaced.
Visitors can explore all three sectors of Tijuca National Park via public transport, bike, or taxi/Uber from Rio's South Zone. Activities include hiking to waterfalls, visiting coffee plantation ruins, climbing the city's highest point (Tijuca Peak), and spotting species reintroduced by Project Refauna. Climbing the Pedra Bonita and Pedra da Gávea mountains offers stunning city views, and a hike from the 19th century palace Parque Lage leads to the world famous Cristo Redentor.
The forest's tall trees are struggling because many of the seed spreading animals that once thrived there disappeared when the forest was cleared and have never returned. "If you don't have the animals, you don't have the trees," said Catharina Kreischer, a researcher with Project Refauna.
Trees grow colorful, delicious fruit to attract animals that then spread the seeds across the forest. Project Refauna aims to restore this balance by reintroducing fauna. Unlike other forest restoration projects that reintroduce high profile predators, Project Refauna focuses on non endangered species that relocated elsewhere when the forest was cleared.
Historically, Tijuca Forest was home to 33 large and medium-sized species, including jaguars, tapirs, and peccaries, but only 11 remain. While Project Refauna could hypothetically reintroduce some of these animals, many require larger areas to hunt or are too dangerous for a city environment. Instead, they are reintroducing species endemic to the forest and easier to manage.
In 2009, Project Refauna reintroduced red rumped agoutis, a cat sized rodent previously hunted to extinction in Tijuca Forest but still present elsewhere in the city. The project's impact is evident, with fewer fruits and seeds rotting on the ground, indicating that agoutis are fulfilling their role as seed dispersers.
During a visit to the park, Kreischer pointed out the positive changes, such as the establishment of agoutis and the introduction of a yellow footed tortoise named Titan. However, the tortoises face challenges, including predation by city dogs. Despite setbacks with species like howler monkeys, which had to be removed due to interactions with visitors, Project Refauna continues its efforts.
Fernandez acknowledges the difficulties but remains committed to the project's long term goals, including reintroducing blue and yellow macaws and, eventually, ocelots, a medium sized wild cat. "This is a project for decades," he said. While saving a forest is slow work, Fernandez and Kreischer encourage people to visit the park to support their efforts and experience the natural beauty of Tijuca National Park.