Anders Goncalves da Silva

Conservation and landscape genetics of Lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) in a periodically flooded Amazonian forest, Brazil.

Anders sampling dung at the Mountain View Breeding and Conservation Centre (BC, Canada) to test different DNA collection and preservation methods from tapir dung (Photo: R. Hajjar)

The Jaú National Park at its peak flood. Heavy rains are one of the main factors contributing to the rise of up to 19m (18.5m was the maximum this year) of the river, which invades the surrounding forests creating the igapó. (Photo: A. Goncalves da Silva)

Biodiversity is key to human well-being. Globally, freshwater wetland ecosystem services, for instance, are valued at US$14,785.00 ha-1 yr-1, providing such services as water filtration, carbon sequestration, and buffering against the effects of climate change. However, wetlands are extremely threatened by, among other things, land conversion and increased human population density. Efforts have been made to catalogue and quantify biodiversity worldwide, including those in wetlands. However, we now need comprehensive models of species and their ecosystems to monitor and predict changes.

In view of this, I propose to design a predictive risk model based on the Amazon Flooded Forest (or igapó) region of Brazil and the lowland tapir, a keystone species. This transient ecosystem is essential for many species, including humans. Quantifying its importance will allow for better management plans both within and outside of conservation areas. The model, based on geographic, ecological, and genetic information coupled with population and spatial/temporal modelling, will be an important management tool to inform decision-makers and stakeholders about potential effects of different development options, and possible mitigation alternatives. This tool is to be flexible enough to be adaptable to other species and ecosystems in the world. To carry out this work, I will combine the expertise at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, the Fundação Vitória Amazônica, the Universidade Federal do Amazonas, and the IUCN/SSC Tapir Specialist Group.

For more information contact anders.goncalvesdasilva@ubc.ca

You can read about his previous RSG project at http://www.ruffordsmallgrants.org/rsg/Projects/AndersGoncalvesdaSilva

Project Update: June 2008

CallingTapirs

'I am currently in Manaus, in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon. My field site is in the Jaú National Park, which until recently was the largest protected area in Brazil, with just over 2.2 million hectares covering the whole of the Jaú River Basin. I arrived during the peak of the flood, so most of the area was either under water or the soil was quiet wet'.

You can read more of Ander's progress in the interim report below.

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Conservation and landscape genetics of Lowland tapir UD 0608.doc	30.5 KB