ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø

Around the world, ecosystems are collapsing as trees are logged and forests disappear. Large-scale reforestation efforts aim to reverse this decline—but how successful are they? 

The Serra dos Órgãos mountain range of Rio de Janeiro State is a striking landscape of spectacular ridges, valleys, and lowlands, stretching from magnificent mountain summits to mangrove forests on the coast. Nestled in these lowlands, the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (REGUA) is a biodiversity hotspot teeming with life—including at least 60 mammal species such as the elusive southern woolly spider monkey, powerful pumas, majestic tapirs, and social capybaras.

Yet this extraordinary ecosystem is under immense pressure. Only 15% of the original forest remains, much of it fragmented and disconnected. In response, conservationists, NGOs, and the Brazilian government have launched large-scale reforestation efforts to restore this critical habitat. But for these efforts to succeed, they must be guided by sound scientific data to ensure they support the species and ecological functions of the forest.

On this project, you will investigate small, medium, and large mammals in REGUA, from the common southern four-eyed opossum to the rarely seen puma. Using both live traps for small to medium animals and camera traps for larger animals, you will collect information about how the mammals of the reserve are responding to reforestation efforts. This project will actively contribute data to the management plan of REGUA and produce technical reports for reforestation decision-makers. Beyond research, you’ll get hands-on with conservation by helping to grow native seedlings—and may even plant them in the forest yourself.