Amazon deforestation increases for 13th straight month in Brazil

[UngulateNerd92]

Despite the global economic slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon appears to be continuing largely unabated with forest clearing over the past 12 months reaching the highest level since monthly data started being released publicly in 2007, according to official data released Friday by the country’s national space research institute INPE. Forest loss in Earth’s largest rainforest has now risen 13 consecutive months relative to year-earlier figures.

Amazon deforestation increases for 13th straight month in Brazil

 

[Dassie rat]

Gerald Durrell and others visited Madagascar to rescue aye-ayes and other animals threatened by habitat destruction.

I think conservationists should launch a similar expedition to save animals threatened by the destruction of the Amazon.

 

[amur leopard]

Despite the global economic slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon appears to be continuing largely unabated with forest clearing over the past 12 months reaching the highest level since monthly data started being released publicly in 2007, according to official data released Friday by the country’s national space research institute INPE. Forest loss in Earth’s largest rainforest has now risen 13 consecutive months relative to year-earlier figures.

Amazon deforestation increases for 13th straight month in Brazil

I guess this is as a result of Brazil's president's refusal to admit that climate change is actually taking place. There are now quite a few coordinated projects to fight this deforestation and plant new trees, but the rate of destruction is clearly much faster. Positive feedback in the rainforest doesn't help either.

 

[UngulateNerd92]

Gerald Durrell and others visited Madagascar to rescue aye-ayes and other animals threatened by habitat destruction.

I think conservationists should launch a similar expedition to save animals threatened by the destruction of the Amazon.

I agree with that idea. As pivotal as it is to protect and preserve intact nature, I am of the belief that every wild animal and plant species, subspecies, and even distinct population segment when and where possible needs to have a captive insurance population.

 

[UngulateNerd92]

I guess this is as a result of Brazil's president's refusal to admit that climate change is actually taking place. There are now quite a few coordinated projects to fight this deforestation and plant new trees, but the rate of destruction is clearly much faster. Positive feedback in the rainforest doesn't help either.

Yeah President Bolsonaro's environmental policies are quite reckless and have caused a great deal of damage! I hope he can be voted out or even removed from office ASAP!

 

[Onychorhynchus coronatus]

Yeah President Bolsonaro's environmental policies are quite reckless and have caused a great deal of damage! I hope he can be voted out or even removed from office ASAP!

Agreed, and not just environmental policies but his social, economic and education policies too. He is a total disaster and will go down in history as one of the most incompetent , destructive, pathetic and vile "leaders" of the 21st century.

Fingers crossed for his removal from office either through impeachment, a coup, or a bullet. Former staunch allies on the right and within his cabinet are turning against him now like a load of starved rats, he is losing a prior base of popular support among the monied middle classes, and there are persistent rumours of an impending millitary coup afoot.

An impeachment would be the best outcome but sadly due to widespread political disengagement / disenfranchisement of the population this may not materialize in time. Nevertheless, enough anger is being generated in society about his response to COVID-19 and entrenched corruption within his vicious little regime of cronies that the tide is turning.

History does show that anything can and will happen in this region of the world. Those in positions of power who make the fatal error of thinking themselves as invincible can and do end up biting the dust (often literally). No one really knows what tomorrow may bring and it could well bring a speedy downfall to Bolsonaro.

A coup may be a more likely scenario but this does present further problems as it could lead to a return to millitary dictatorship and polls seem to indicate that most Brazilians would prefer this not to happen (but the country under Bolsonaro is fast becoming a fascist militarized dictatorship in everything but name anyway so I can't help cynically thinking what would be the difference?).

 

[Onychorhynchus coronatus]

Gerald Durrell and others visited Madagascar to rescue aye-ayes and other animals threatened by habitat destruction.

I think conservationists should launch a similar expedition to save animals threatened by the destruction of the Amazon.

I agree in principle. It is worth mentioning that the Durrell trust are actively involved in in-situ conservation of the Pied tamarin in the Brazilian Amazon but in severely fragmented pieces of forest in the urbanized / city environment of Manaus rather than primary Amazon rainforest.

However, given the rising rates of assasination of environmentalists (both indigenous, Brazilian, and foreign nationals) at the moment it would be a far more dangerous expedition to visit deforested frontiers of the Amazon at the present time than anything that Durrell undertook in Madagascar. Indeed, there would actually be a very strong chance of returning home in a body bag.

I would love to be able to say I am exaggerating about the risks but the situation for conservationists and those undertaking conservation in certain areas of this country truly has become that bad and dangerous.

 

[amur leopard]

Agreed, and not just environmental policies but his social, economic and education policies too. He is a total disaster and will go down in history as one of the most incompetent , destructive, pathetic and vile "leaders" of the 21st century.

Fingers crossed for his removal from office either through impeachment, a coup, or a bullet. Former staunch allies on the right and within his cabinet are turning against him now like a load of starved rats, he is losing a prior base of popular support among the monied middle classes, and there are persistent rumours of an impending millitary coup afoot.

An impeachment would be the best outcome but sadly due to widespread political disengagement / disenfranchisement of the population this may not materialize in time. Nevertheless, enough anger is being generated in society about his response to COVID-19 and entrenched corruption within his vicious little regime of cronies that the tide is turning.

History does show that anything can and will happen in this region of the world. Those in positions of power who make the fatal error of thinking themselves as invincible can and do end up biting the dust (often literally). No one really knows what tomorrow may bring and it could well bring a speedy downfall to Bolsonaro.

A coup may be a more likely scenario but this does present further problems as it could lead to a return to millitary dictatorship and polls seem to indicate that most Brazilians would prefer this not to happen (but the country under Bolsonaro is fast becoming a fascist militarized dictatorship in everything but name anyway so I can't help cynically thinking what would be the difference?).

An impeachment would be the more democratic scenario, and got a bit closer to reality because of the Justice minister's resignation (saying it was because there was too much corruption in the government despite one of Mr Bolsonaro's main messages being that he was going to fight and destroy corruption in Brazil), so hopefully the people will see that he has been somewhat of a hypocrite given even his son has been involved in a corruption scandal.

Are coups common or is it just because he is now widely hated?

 

[amur leopard]

I agree in principle. It is worth mentioning that the Durrell trust are actively involved in in-situ conservation of the Pied tamarin in the Brazilian Amazon but in severely fragmented pieces of forest in the urbanized / city environment of Manaus rather than primary Amazon rainforest.

However, given the rising rates of assasination of environmentalists (both indigenous, Brazilian, and foreign nationals) at the moment it would be a far more dangerous expedition to visit deforested frontiers of the Amazon at the present time than anything that Durrell undertook in Madagascar. Indeed, there would actually be a very strong chance of returning home in a body bag.

I would love to be able to say I am exaggerating about the risks but the situation for conservationists and those undertaking conservation in certain areas of this country truly has become that bad and dangerous.

That is sad to hear. I watched a documentary recently about the Congo and the situation there and the zoologists filming gorillas and forest elephants almost got shot by poachers. Why do people poach gorillas? Is it for bushmeat or some other part of their body?

 

[Dassie rat]

I agree in principle. It is worth mentioning that the Durrell trust are actively involved in in-situ conservation of the Pied tamarin in the Brazilian Amazon but in severely fragmented pieces of forest in the urbanized / city environment of Manaus rather than primary Amazon rainforest.

However, given the rising rates of assasination of environmentalists (both indigenous, Brazilian, and foreign nationals) at the moment it would be a far more dangerous expedition to visit deforested frontiers of the Amazon at the present time than anything that Durrell undertook in Madagascar. Indeed, there would actually be a very strong chance of returning home in a body bag.

I would love to be able to say I am exaggerating about the risks but the situation for conservationists and those undertaking conservation in certain areas of this country truly has become that bad and dangerous.

Gerald Durrell's team negotiated with officials to remove threatened animals. Conservationists linked with zoos could negotiate with South American officials.

 

[TheEthiopianWolf03]

That is sad to hear. I watched a documentary recently about the Congo and the situation there and the zoologists filming gorillas and forest elephants almost got shot by poachers. Why do people poach gorillas? Is it for bushmeat or some other part of their body?

I believe it is mostly for the bushmeat industry which is a pretty big money maker in the region. Also similar to China, many people in Central and West Africa believe that parts of the gorilla (such as the hand) have medical properties to them with some believing that gorilla parts have magical properties and can be a charm. I've also heard about people hunting for the sake of taking down a powerful animal whether there is a cultural significance or just someone wants to show they are tough.

Gerald Durrell and others visited Madagascar to rescue aye-ayes and other animals threatened by habitat destruction.

I think conservationists should launch a similar expedition to save animals threatened by the destruction of the Amazon.

While I don't want to delve into politics I think it will be hard for the Amazon to be well defended from deforestation and especially with the current leadership. Unlike Madagascar which is a third world country that is trying to grow its tourism industry, it will be harder to convince a nation that is essentially a regional power in the Western Hemisphere. It would take a major effort and I highly doubt if deforestation will be ever stopped in that region.

Agreed, and not just environmental policies but his social, economic and education policies too. He is a total disaster and will go down in history as one of the most incompetent , destructive, pathetic and vile "leaders" of the 21st century.

Fingers crossed for his removal from office either through impeachment, a coup, or a bullet. Former staunch allies on the right and within his cabinet are turning against him now like a load of starved rats, he is losing a prior base of popular support among the monied middle classes, and there are persistent rumours of an impending millitary coup afoot.

An impeachment would be the best outcome but sadly due to widespread political disengagement / disenfranchisement of the population this may not materialize in time. Nevertheless, enough anger is being generated in society about his response to COVID-19 and entrenched corruption within his vicious little regime of cronies that the tide is turning.

History does show that anything can and will happen in this region of the world. Those in positions of power who make the fatal error of thinking themselves as invincible can and do end up biting the dust (often literally). No one really knows what tomorrow may bring and it could well bring a speedy downfall to Bolsonaro.

A coup may be a more likely scenario but this does present further problems as it could lead to a return to millitary dictatorship and polls seem to indicate that most Brazilians would prefer this not to happen (but the country under Bolsonaro is fast becoming a fascist militarized dictatorship in everything but name anyway so I can't help cynically thinking what would be the difference?).

Despite a political leader being someone who may not be the most popular, I would like to remind that since he is still a human being wishing death on him is a bit unneeded to the overall discussion. Better yet we shouldn't delve into politics and instead we should focus on any current efforts being made by conservationists to combat this. I understand that you are a Brazilian and you may have issues with the current establishment so maybe I am speaking out of turn but I think that type of conversation might be changing the course of the issue? Like the focus of saving the rainforest is being changed to like a message about changing the government? I think what I am trying to say is maybe don't politicize the deforestation issue as it may start to lose its message. Deforestation has been happening before the current leader so it isn't really a political issue. Again if I am speaking out of turn let me know.

 

[amur leopard]

Deforestation has been happening before the current leader so it isn't really a political issue.

But it is, isn't it? He was elected 18 months ago. After 5 months of his 'rule' the rate of deforestation started increasing again. Of course, deforestation is still present without him, but he is indifferent to it and has even supported it in the past in order to boost the economy. So it is really to do with him. Furthermore, his changes have had consequences - the rate of deforestation was decreasing when he came into office, yet now it is increasing and accelerating.

 

[Dassie rat]

I believe it is mostly for the bushmeat industry which is a pretty big money maker in the region. Also similar to China, many people in Central and West Africa believe that parts of the gorilla (such as the hand) have medical properties to them with some believing that gorilla parts have magical properties and can be a charm. I've also heard about people hunting for the sake of taking down a powerful animal whether there is a cultural significance or just someone wants to show they are tough.

Isn't it about time that the world came into the 21st century and stopped believing in unproven superstitions. Hopefully, most of us accept that gorilla hands and rhinoceros horns don't have magical properties. How many of us believe in religious superstitions? Are men really superior to women. Are people superior because they were born into a particular 'caste'? Are people superior and more likely to go to 'Heaven' because of what they wear or eat? Should people be killed due to their religion or sexuality? Who are we to condemn people because of their feelings about supposed 'magical' properties of animals parts, but accept their rights to believe in their 'superiority ' over other people?

 

[Onychorhynchus coronatus]

IWhile I don't want to delve into politics I think it will be hard for the Amazon to be well defended from deforestation and especially with the current leadership. Unlike Madagascar which is a third world country that is trying to grow its tourism industry, it will be harder to convince a nation that is essentially a regional power in the Western Hemisphere. It would take a major effort and I highly doubt if deforestation will be ever stopped in that region.

I totally agree with what you've said here in terms of the stark contrasts in the different attitudes of both of these megadiverse nations.

The political administration of Madagascar despite political instability and corruption continues to attempt to develop a tourism industry and to make itself into a top ecotourism destination. Malagasy politicians (for the most part) do seem to realize and value that the incredible biodiversity and unique endemic species and ecosystems are one of the principal draws to the country and that this brings much needed circulation of capital.

The political administration of Brazil on the other hand (though ecotourism does exist here and there are many who would like to see it eventually become a top wildlife watching destination) does not have this mentality whatsoever. In that regard the Brazilian administration are simply knuckle dragging neanderthals in comparison to how comparatively progressive the Malagasy government (though I know they are far from perfect when it actually comes to enforcing environmental conservation beyond pen and paper) is when it comes to valuing its biodiversity. This all in spite of the fact that Brazil has arguably one of the highest rates of biodiversity in the world.

But one thing I would correct you on is that while Brazil is probably richer and more developed than Madagascar it is still a third world country (and will be even more of one in the near future) with some of the deepest entrenched social inequalities and levels of poverty in the world. Moreover it was (in former times) a regional power in the Western hemisphere.... It is now a ruin / shadow of what it once was and is the laughing stock for the rest of Latin America and deservedly so.

 

[Onychorhynchus coronatus]

Gerald Durrell's team negotiated with officials to remove threatened animals. Conservationists linked with zoos could negotiate with South American officials.

Yes I agree and I would add that the Durrell trust still are heavily involved in both in-situ and ex-situ conservation of Brazilian species.

I was simply stating that the current situation in the Brazilian Amazon with COVID-19 , the fires, and the widespread assasination of environmentalists and conservationists would be far too dangerous for a Madagascar style expedition to bring back species.

But I have no doubt whatsoever that in the present and the future Jersey zoo will continue to be an ex-situ refuge for species from Brazil (particularly endangered small primates) and to be a major player in their conservation.

Several of my coordinators in conservation work here have been through the DESMAN course at Jersey zoo and the NGO's and programes that I have worked with and will continue to work with have very close links with the Durrell trust.