Início

"En definitiva, sólo conservaremos lo que amamos, sólo amaremos lo que conocemos, y sólo conoceremos lo que nos enseñen"

Baba Dioum

Investigación

Estudio de campo

Less than 7% of the original Brazilian Atlantic Forest remains and this forest has one of the highest biodiversity levels in the world. It is estimated that 30% of South American snakes and lizards are endemic to this habitat. One of these species is the golden lancehead that inhabits the Queimada Grande Island. The golden lancehead is listed as critically endangered by IUCN due to its highly restricted range and the continuing decline in habitat quality. There are indications that the lancehead population has decreased in the last 15 years, probably due to collection of snakes for the illegal animal trade and other environmental pressures.The objectives of this project are: to estimate population size through capture-mark-recapture techniques; to document the health status of snakes by parasite screening, hemogram, blood chemistry exams and serologic tests; to study reproductive parameters by developing a spermiogram, recording the ovarian cycle by ultrasound and monitoring steroids hormone profiles over all seasons; to study ecological aspects such as habitat requirements and home range size .This project fills many of the urgent conservation needs for the critically endangered golden lancehead. We believe that increasing research and educational outreach among local population will decrease illegal activities in the island. A better understanding of population dynamics and factors affecting this species will help us establish more direct actions for golden lancehead conservation.