Irara with rare mutation is recorded during fauna monitoring in RJ

Irara with leucism (Eira barbara) Yan Rodrigues Monitoring carried out by the Rio Carnivores Program around the Itatiaia National Park, in Resende (RJ), recorded one of the most relevant finds of the year for the fauna of Rio de Janeiro: an Irara (Eira barbara) with leucism, a rare genetic mutation that causes partial loss of skin and hair pigmentation. ? Also follow Terra da Gente on Instagram The animal was caught by camera traps at different times over several months, which allowed the team to monitor its movement and behavior. It is only the second known record of a leucistic tare in the state of Rio de Janeiro, the first occurred in Visconde de Mauá, in the Pedra Selada State Park. Unlike the previous record, the images indicate that the individual preferably uses areas on the edge of the forest. Researchers hypothesize that this behavior reduces the risk of encounters with larger predators and favors hunting in environments with greater incidence of light, a hypothesis that still requires further studies to be confirmed. See more news from Terra da Gente, on g1: WILL IT BE? Are cicadas the same in Japan? Brazilian photographer records species from 'the other side of the world' DIVERSITY IN THE SEMI-ARID: New species of cloud fish is discovered in the Caatinga and mobilizes residents to avoid extinction RISK: Amazon tortoise loses population and enters the list of threatened species The tayra have an elongated, slightly arched body, short legs and a long tail Yan Rodrigues The results are part of participatory monitoring carried out on a private property close to the Itatiaia National Park. The program has already recorded 554 fauna records, including threatened species, such as the puma (Puma concolor) and the small wild cat (Leopardus guttulus), in addition to the brocket deer (Subulo gouazoubira) and the wild boar (Sus scrofa), an invasive exotic species. For the program team, the results reinforce the role of private properties in biodiversity conservation. In addition to increasing habitat availability, these areas function as ecological corridors that favor the movement of fauna between remnants of the Atlantic Forest, contributing to the maintenance of populations of native and threatened species. Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) recorded in the Yan Rodrigues monitoring area The presence of the wild boar in yet another location, however, worries researchers: the species threatens the conservation of native fauna, generates conflicts with rural producers and domestic animals and can transmit diseases, a growing problem for the region's biodiversity. Yan Rodrigues, from the Rio Carnivorous Program, explains the methodology adopted: “Unlike other initiatives in the state, we are seeking to begin monitoring with the participation of producers and local residents.” The proposal is to break with the traditional model of university research, concentrated mostly within conservation units, which tends to leave aside the surroundings and preservation areas — as important as the units themselves, as they serve as passageways for the animals. Understanding the region's way of life, according to the team, allows us to plan solutions that benefit both the fauna and local residents. In this sense, the Rio Carnivores Program, with resources from Tigercats Conservation and Bigcat Rescue, has been vaccinating animals in the region to prevent contagion from zoonoses. Partners such as the LEIPH laboratory (Laboratory for the Study of Parasite-Host Interaction), at UFRRJ (Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro), collect samples of ticks and also vaccinate the animals, putting into practice the concept of One Health in the conservation of biodiversity. What is highlighted in g1: