South America boasts some of the world’s richest biodiversity, home to iconic and irreplaceable ecosystems like the Amazon, the Pantanal, and the Atlantic Forest. Yet, countless species are now facing the threat of extinction, driven by rapid habitat destruction, illegal hunting, climate change, and increasing human pressures. Protecting this natural heritage is urgent — not only for wildlife, but for the balance of life on Earth.
My Personal Contribution
My dear South America… I believe every continent is wonderful, each with its own values, breathtaking landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. But I was born in São Paulo, the largest metropolis in South America, and at the same time, I was lucky enough to grow up close to nature at the São Paulo Zoo, which I’ve visited since childhood.
There, I had my first contact with species from all over the world — and that early fascination is what led me to become a biologist. From a young age, I’ve understood the value of living in a country and continent so rich in biodiversity and natural wonders like, the Atlantic Forest, the Cerrado, the Pantanal, the Pampas — and of course, the majestic Amazon.
But as a Brazilian, I also witness the daily challenges our wildlife and ecosystems face. Uncontrolled urban expansion, habitat loss, criminal fires, illegal wildlife trafficking (I always tell my daughters: “If someone is trafficking, someone else is buying on the other side”), illegal logging — and, just as troubling, illegal mining and the resulting river pollution, which harms not only the animals but also the Indigenous communities who rely on those resources to survive — are harsh realities that deeply sadden me.
These are things I wish I didn’t have to witness, but they have also given me the strength to create this blog — so that through my work, people around the world can gain a clearer understanding of the challenges humans are imposing on the planet’s species.
This is simply my personal testimony. My feelings, my story, and my way of trying to help. Thank you. 🌳 🌿 🐾 ❤️
🐾 Mammals
🟠 Jaguar (Panthera onca)
Listed as Near Threatened, the jaguar faces serious risks from habitat loss and fragmentation.
🟡 Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus)
Classified as Vulnerable, this species is threatened by illegal hunting and habitat destruction.
📷 Image credit: Kuribo
🔴 Southern Andean Deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus)
Listed as Endangered, this deer suffers from habitat fragmentation and hunting.
📷 Image credit: Ricardo Hevia Kaluf
🔴 Chinchilla (Chinchilla chinchilla & Chinchilla lanigera)
Both species are Critically Endangered, primarily due to overhunting for the fur trade.
📷 Image credit: Thirteen squared
🟡 Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
Classified as Vulnerable, with population declines mainly due to habitat loss.
📷 Image credit: Malene Thyssen
🟠 Margay (Leopardus wiedii)
Listed as Near Threatened, with populations declining due to habitat loss and illegal hunting.
📷 Image credit: Geigy
🟠 Pampas Cat (Leopardus colocolo)
Considered Near Threatened, facing threats such as habitat degradation and hunting.
🔴 Yellow-faced Titi Monkey (Callicebus barbarabrownae)
Endemic to Brazil, this species is Critically Endangered due to severe habitat destruction.
🔴 Blond Capuchin (Sapajus flavius)
Classified as Critically Endangered, with populations declining due to forest fragmentation.
📷 Image credit: Miguelrangeljr
🟠 Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
Listed as Near Threatened, threatened by habitat loss and roadkill.
📷 Image credit: Aguará
🔴 Maned Sloth (Bradypus torquatus)
Endemic to the Atlantic Forest, this species is Endangered due to habitat fragmentation.
📷 Image credit: Sitexenarthrans.org
🔴 Golden Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia)
Classified as Endangered, with ongoing conservation efforts focused on its protection.
📷 Image credit: Mistvan
🔴 Black Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysopygus)
Listed as Endangered, endemic to the state of São Paulo, Brazil.
📷 Image credit: Alan Hill
🔴 Golden-headed Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas)
Classified as Endangered, with a restricted habitat in Bahia, Brazil.
📷 Image credit: Hans Hillewaert
🔴 Black-faced Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus caissara)
Considered Critically Endangered, with a very small population along the coasts of Paraná and São Paulo.
📷 Image credit: Everton Leonardi
🟡 Giant Armadillo (Priodontes maximus)
Listed as Vulnerable, threatened by hunting and habitat loss.
📷 Image credit: Warren Garst
Tamanduá-mirim (Tamandua tetradactyla)
Listado como “Quase Ameaçado”, enfrenta riscos devido à perda de habitat e atropelamentos. Crédito de Imagem: Sinara Conessa
The puma, also known as the cougar, mountain lion, or panther, is one of the largest wild cats in the Americas, with a broad range extending from Canada to southern South America. In Brazil, it inhabits several biomes, including the Amazon, Cerrado, Pantanal, Atlantic Forest, and Caatinga. This solitary predator features a coat color that ranges from tawny to gray, showcasing remarkable adaptability to diverse environments.
🐦 Birds
Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororhynchos)
This seabird is classified as Endangered, facing significant threats such as bycatch in fisheries and habitat degradation.
📷 Image credit: Vincent Legendre
Junin Grebe (Podiceps taczanowskii)
Endemic to Peru, this aquatic bird is listed as Critically Endangered due to pollution and habitat changes in its lake environment.
📷 Image credit: Birdingperu
🐢 Reptile
Amazon River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa)
Recognized for its large shell, this species is listed as Vulnerable, facing threats such as egg collection, hunting, and river habitat degradation.
🐸 Amphibian
Helmeted Water Toad (Calyptocephalella gayi)
Endemic to Chile, this amphibian is listed as Vulnerable, threatened by climate change and human activities that impact its aquatic habitats.
📷 Image credit: José Grau de Puerto