Animal classified as vulnerable in the State is studied in a conservation area of PUCRS in São Francisco de Paula
Monday, May 19 | 2025
The Center for Nature Conservation and Research (Pró-Mata) at PUCRS has chosen the tayra as the representative animal for 2025. Located in São Francisco de Paula, the protected area is dedicated to teaching, conservation and environmental research. The choice was a way to increase the visibility of the tayra and interest in research surrounding its habitat and habits.
Currently, Pró-Mata is developing a broad biodiversity monitoring program, including a doctoral project in the Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolution of Biodiversity at PUCRS, focusing on several mammals that live in this reserve. Since 2019, camera traps have been installed to monitor the movement of medium-sized mammals – including tayras – regularly seen in Campos de Cima da Serra. These traps work with motion sensors, being activated when an animal passes in front, filming or photographing it.
“Mammals like tayras are essential to the health of the ecosystems in which they live. These animals help maintain the balance of the environment, promoting a series of interactions that ensure the preservation of the place. However, for them to continue playing this vital role, they need to live in well-preserved areas, such as conservation units. Choosing enigmatic species like the tayra brings several advantages. In addition to directly benefiting from conservation actions, it also helps protect other species that depend on the same environments. When conservation is focused on the tayra, it acts as an 'umbrella species', ensuring that other life forms that share its habitat are also protected.”, explains PUCRS doctoral student Arthur Venancio de Santana, who has been monitoring the species in his research project.
According to Augusto Alvim, professor and director of the Environmental Institute (IMA)/Pró-Mata, Irara was chosen as the representative of Pró-Mata 2025 due to its presence in the reserve and for symbolizing diversity and commitment to environmental preservation.
“In Brazil, it is considered of least concern on the Red List of the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), but faces threats such as habitat loss, fires, roadkill and conflicts with humans. The expectation is to raise awareness about the importance of preserving local fauna and inspire environmental protection actions,” comments Augustus.
Pró-Mata is an environmental conservation and preservation area of the University, located in São Francisco de Paula, with more than 3 thousand hectares. In addition, it seeks to develop alternatives for generating economic income for family farming in the region, such as the use of sustainable technologies, generating less impact on the environment.
The Research Center is also one of the technology hubs for attracting tourists and connecting all agents in the tourism chain, through the project of the Studies and Projects Financing Agency (Finep) “The Rural Tourism Production Chain in São Francisco de Paula/RS: new technologies for the sustainable development of the Atlantic Forest Biome”. Every year, the center receives students, researchers and professors from different institutions, both Brazilian and international. Since its inauguration, teaching, extension and research activities have been promoted under the guidance of the IMA of PUCRS.
A species little known to the public, the tayra, with the scientific name Eira Barbara, is a carnivorous mammal of the mustelid family – ferrets and otters. The animals have an elongated shape, with short legs and a long tail. They are known for being agile and curious, and can measure up to 1,3 meters in length and weigh between three and seven kilos.
A forest dweller, the tayra has diurnal habits, which sets it apart from many other carnivores. Although there are still many gaps in our knowledge regarding the ecological characteristics of this species, it is known that its diet is generalist, including small vertebrates, fruits, and even honey (which gives it the popular name “honeyeater” in some regions). This feeding behavior makes the species not only a controller of populations of other species, but also an important seed disperser, contributing to the maintenance and regeneration of forests.
