The project "Ecological Detectives" aims to gather information on population size, genetic status and patterns of dispersal for four large mammal species remaining in the Pontal do Paranapanema. Some individuals have been captured and fitted with radio collars that allow researchers to track their movements between forests.

The tracking data suggest that these mammals are still surviving in relatively small forests, able to make use of surrounding resources and able to traverse open terrain to other forests.

Results from this project will be essential for two conservation strategies to be implemented in the region: metapopulation management and the creation of forest corridors.

The estimates we have suggest that no more than twenty jaguars, thirty pumas, 120 ocelots and 250 tapirs remain in an area that contain forest fragments that sum to about 57,000 hectares.

These numbers are well below the minimum viable population size of 500 individuals that is recommended for mammals of comparable size. The effects of small populations are sometimes seen in animals during captures and we will soon have genetic data to quantify this problem.

The long-term conservation of these mammals will likely require metapopulation management to improve the genetic viability of these species. IPE is also planting corridors between forest fragments to promote greater movement of animals. These are being designed, in part, based on the observed routes used by the four "ecological detectives" species.

IPE is a charity partner of the BBC's Saving Planet Earth series. Our project to save the Jaguar from extinction will be eligible for a grant from the fund created by donations made through Saving Planet Earth. Funds donated will be spent in continuing our jaguar research in the Atlantic Forest.

More specifically the funds will help in updating jaguar habitat suitability maps, with a management plan that will identify new areas for jaguar conservation and establish Jaguar Conservation Private Reserves along the study area, involving private landowners adjacent to the already existing protected areas. With these maps the following steps will be taken:

1) continue field research on jaguar field ecology,

2) conduct field work in identifying and mapping large private properties (> 500 ha) along this specified jaguar range,

3) overlay the limits of all private properties identified, with the Jaguar Habitat suitability map and find potential landowners to be approached,

4) select at least 5 potential properties within high habitat suitability areas based on the increase in overall jaguar viability when these areas are protected,

5)  in consultation with the owners of selected properties, start the process of applying for a Jaguar RPPN’s (Reservas Particulares de Patrimônio Natural - Private Natural Heritage Reserve).