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Alagoas Trip Report - Feb, 2005We returned to Alagoas to do a more complete dry season site survey in February, 2005. Our plan was to spend more time at the farm and to do a preliminary trail layout as well as increasing the list of species identified and photographed. Well, we were very happily surprised by virtually the first bird we spotted – but more on that later.Prior to arriving at the survey site, Eco Fazenda Cachoeira, we made two side trips to points of interest, IBAMA's headquarters in Maceio, and to a reserve and bird breeding facility on a nearby sugar plantation. Here we saw an Alagoas Curassow, which is extinct in the wild. Our research siteOur site is about 120 Km by road from Maceio. Passing the sugar plantations of the table lands (tabuleiro) you then start into the hills. At this time of year everything is dry, until you near the farm. The farm is situated in one of the highest areas of the region. (See Photos) Shockingly, as we neared the farm we encountered some burned over areas and a large number of mature trees that had been felled recently. (See photos). This particular tree, the mulungu (Erythrina mulungu), is crucial to the survival of many bird species in the area. This is the type of destruction which is encroaching on our site and that we are looking for ways to stop. Once settled in at the farm house we were greeted by a specimen of the very species that we had come to find – the Seven-colored Tanager (Tangara fastuosa). This bird is on both the IUCN Red List and the IBAMA endangered list. We had felt that this species, as well as other rare endemics found at Murici and Serra Talhada would most likely be found at the farm. WE WERE RIGHT! We added quite a few species to our list from October 2004 (see species encountered list), and we remain convinced that the farm houses many other residents, including the small monkeys we found nearby (See photos). We were also able to lay out four principal trails for birding: The Forest Trail: Rising about 120 meters from the level of the farm house, to 560 Mt, this trail goes to the highest point on the property, where the remaining forest is located. (Photos) The Rock Cap Trail: Goes up to the top of a promontory across a valley from the Forest and, while not so high (522 Mt) gives spectacular views of the region. (Photos) The Valley / Lake Trail: Winds up a valley past several lakes, between the Forest Trail and the Rock Cap Trail. Many fruiting trees are found here which attract swarms of birds. (Photos). The Access Road Trail: Around the back of the mountain, this trail requires no significant climb and affords good viewing for birders. (Photos) We also began the slow process of education on this visit. We discovered a trap close to the house which was being used by local children to try to catch fruit eating birds. (Photos). Disarming the trap, we explained to them, and their parents, the necessity to refrain from this type of activity. One lecture is certainly not going to put an end to this practice, but it is a start. The next steps.Our next step is a final site survey visit during the rainy season to determine the species mix at that time of year. We plan to go in July – the height of the wet season. We are thinking of opening up this trip to a limited number of experienced birders and / or ornithology graduate students to help out with the survey. If you are interested – or know of someone who is – send an email and we can discuss the details and costs involved. (mail to: trip request)Once the July trip is done we will publish the results of the full site survey and eco tourism master plan – and continue to seek funding for the plan implementation and extension of the reserve to the adjoining lands to ensure the preservation and expansion of this important habitat. A key missing element in local environmental activities is the process of educating and obtaining the participation of the local land owners. As we mentioned above in reference to the preservation of forests in the sugar lands, the small cattle ranchers need to be brought to understand that preserving nature is also to their benefit. Using avifauna friendly planting for fencing in pastures and lining roads will provide habitat for the birds, without loosing productivity of the land. Also, the more extensive the forested area is, the more water there will be during the dry season. We need to establish a laboratory where these techniques are demonstrated and taught to them. If you or your organization are interested in supporting and participating in this project, send us an email and we can discuss the ways that you can help. |
New Web Site., We are building a more attractive and easier to use site. You are invited to check it out. E-Bulletin N° 6 - just published Selection of Neotropical Eco Photographs for sale on the web. Don't miss this opportunity! Visiting from Avibase? Go directly to our list of pictures. |
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