WWF-Brazil has supported research on fauna of the Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah) developed by the Biotrópicos Institute.
The project is revealing habits and attitudes of animals in protected areas like the Veredas do Peruaçu State Park and Peruaçu Caves National Park. Both are in the Mosaic of Conservation Units Sertão Veredas-Peruaçu, one of the most pristine and beautiful areas of the Cerrado.
Dasyprocta sp:
Gray brocket (Mazama gouazoubira):
South American Tapir (Tapirus terrestris):
White-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari):
The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis):
© WWF-Brasil / Instituto Biotrópicos
The investigation has revealed the occurrence of several species and will provide the first insight on large mammal abundance in the whole region. Even species believed extinct have been revealed.
Cerrado, the Brazilian Savanna
Covering more than 20% of Brazil, the Cerrado is not nearly as recognized as the Amazon. Although these wooded grasslands once covered an area half the size of Europe, its native habitats and rich biodiversity are being destroyed faster than the neighbouring rainforest.
Learn more about the Cerrado.