Salesópolis creates a new refuge to protect one of the rarest birds in Brazil José Eduardo Camargo A small bird that lives hidden among the vegetation of the swamps has just gained an important boost for its survival. The Municipality of Salesópolis, in the interior of São Paulo, officially created the Bicudinho-do-Brejo-Paulista (Formicivora paludicola) Wildlife Refuge, a Conservation Unit with 5.7 thousand hectares designed to protect one of the last habitats of the species. ? Also follow Terra da Gente on Instagram The decree, signed in April 2026, protects an extensive area at the headwaters of Alto Tietê, where the wetlands used by the São Paulo marsh weevil are located, a bird considered rare and found in few parts of the state of São Paulo. In addition to the fauna, the measure also contributes to the conservation of the springs that supply the region. In Salesópolis, one of the few known populations of the species is estimated at between 14 and 27 individuals, according to SAVE Brasil. For the organization's executive director, Alice Reisfeld, the creation of the new unit represents an important advance for the conservation of the bird. "The creation of this refuge in Salesópolis represents a fundamental milestone for the survival of the Bicudinho-do-Brejo-Paulista, as it protects one of the last areas where the species can still prosper safely." See more news from Terra da Gente, on g1: ADVENTURES: Terra da Gente travels along the Uruguay River in search of one of the fastest fish in Brazil SCIENCE: Mangona shark uses the coast of São Paulo as a breeding site ADAPTATION: Do Amazonian trees do 'counts'? See how they can change their strategy to survive Protection for a highly threatened species The main threat to the São Paulo boll weevil continues to be habitat loss. According to SAVE Brasil, the species is extremely sensitive to changes in marshes, such as drainage, urban occupation, agricultural expansion, formation of pastures and the presence of invasive exotic species, such as the marsh lily. As it depends exclusively on these humid environments to survive, any transformation in the landscape can directly compromise the bird's population. See what's trending on g1:
Salesópolis creates new refuge to protect one of the rarest birds in Brazil
Salesópolis creates a new refuge to protect one of the rarest birds in Brazil José Eduardo Camargo A small bird that lives hidden among the vegetation of the swamps has just gained an important boost for its survival....
Far beyond the creation of the refuge Although the creation of the Conservation Unit is considered an important step, it alone does not guarantee the recovery of the species. According to SAVE Brasil, complementary actions will still be necessary, such as continuous monitoring of the population, the search for new areas where the boll weevil may occur, the implementation of the Conservation Unit's Management Plan and strengthening work with the local community. The management of the refuge will be the responsibility of Salesópolis City Hall. The expectation is that the area will also be used for scientific research, environmental education activities, fauna monitoring and encouraging nature observation tourism. The decree provides that the population's activities continue normally. Public works considered to be of social interest remain permitted, as long as they comply with environmental licensing. The specific rules for using the area will be defined in the future through the Management Plan. Salesópolis creates a new refuge to protect one of the rarest birds in Brazil José Eduardo Camargo How the population can help The conservation of the São Paulo boll weevil also depends on the participation of society. Among SAVE Brasil's main recommendations are preserving swamps and springs, avoiding drainage, landfills and waste disposal; support environmental education actions; enhance birdwatching tourism initiatives; report deforestation and invasions in swamp areas; and participate in actions developed by institutions that work to conserve the species in the municipality. For a bird that survives in just a few fragments of marshland, protecting every piece of this environment means increasing the chances that its song will continue to be part of the Salesópolis landscape for generations to come. VIDEOS: Highlights Terra da Gente See more content about nature on Terra da Gente
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