The Itaipu Biological Sanctuary sent three lowland pacas and received a couple of margays from the Klabin Ecological Park in Telêmaco Borba 

 
Paraná, April 15, 2024 – An exchange of animals between Itaipu Binacional and Klabin will enhance the species breeding programs of both institutions. On April 10, the Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary (RBV) at Itaipu sent three lowland pacas (Cuniculus paca) to the Klabin Ecological Park (PEK) in Telêmaco Borba, in the central region of the state. In return, on April 11, RBV received a couple of margays (Leopardus wiedii).

 
The exchange of rodents for felines is important to restore the population of animals in accordance with the RBV and PEK population plan. Lowland pacas are no longer part of the species sheltered in the Itaipu Biological Sanctuary, which is now investing in breeding other species of rodents, such as the agouti (Dasyprocta sp). At PEK, the three lowland pacas will socialize with the only animal existing in Klabin’s park. 

 
The couple of margays arriving at Foz do Iguaçu will join the five animals (three females and two males) in RBV. Recently, Itaipu sent the last three ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) to Gran Parque Iberá in Argentina, opting to focus its work on the margays. The two animals will join the breeding program of this species by forming new couples.
 

“Each institution is able to focus on some species that is currently more important for biodiversity and considering the vulnerability of that animal in the region”, explains Fabiana Stamm, a veterinarian at Itaipu. Lowland pacas play an important role in the environment as seed dispersers in the forest, while margays help maintain the ecological balance as predators of other smaller species. Both species are classified as vulnerable in Paraná.

 
The exchange of animals also improves the genetic diversity of the species in the region through cross-breeding with other animals. These are also candidates for future species release programs both in the areas of influence of Itaipu and the Telêmaco Borba region. “With the arrival of new animals, we can also address the issue of environmental education, explaining about the endangered species to visitors to the park”, said Paulo Schmidlin, coordinator of PEK.

 
According to Fabiana Stamm, since 2022 Itaipu has been monitoring the fauna in the region by installing cameras all over RBV and employing field biologists for observation. Based on this monitoring, the population plan for the Sanctuary is constantly updated. The partnership with Klabin Ecological Park helps to continue this population planning. “RBV and PEK have many species in common, which facilitates exchange”, said Fabiana. “This partnership adds technical knowledge and improves our gene banks”, said Paulo Schmidlin.

 
Exchange

The exchange of animals started on the morning of April 10, with the departure of three lowland pacas from the Itaipu Biological Sanctuary in Foz do Iguaçu. They were placed in boxes and taken in vans to Telêmaco Borba by veterinarian Fabiana Stamm and biologist Marcos de Oliveira. They arrived at PEK in the afternoon. After a technical visit to the location, on Thursday (Apr. 11), the two professionals from Itaipu returned with the couple of margays.

 
Before being transported, the animals underwent exams to make sure they are healthy. Afterwards, the transport boxes were set up with food so that the animals could travel without any problems. During the journey, some stops were made to check the well-being of animals, such as their temperature and their position inside the boxes.

 
“When they arrived at the institution, a screening was made, which involved the collection of blood, urine and other biological materials for analysis in the laboratory to test all types of diseases of each species”, said Mr. Schmidlin. The lowland pacas and margays were placed in quarantine and are awaiting the results of the tests before being gradually introduced into the respective enclosures, where they will complete their environmental cycles.

 
RBV and PEK

With the arrival of margays, the Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary (RBV) now has 317 animals of 54 species. The 1,780-hectare sanctuary is the pioneer in breeding various species. It is home to the world’s largest population of the harpy eagle (Harpia hapyja), has in place a successful breeding program for jaguars (Panthera onca) and has helped with the reintroduction of ocelots, bare-faced curassows (Crax fasciolata) and other species in the Corrientes region in Argentina.

 
The three lowland pacas will join a population of nearly 180 animas of 50 different species at the Klabin Ecological Park. Established in the 1980s, PEK is maintained by Klabin, Brazil’s largest producer and exporter of packaging paper and sustainable paper packaging solutions, to promote the conservation of biodiversity, the maintenance and rehabilitation of wild animals and the preservation of species. The Park spans 9,852 hectares, 91.6% of them covered by native forests, and is also used for environmental education and for scientific research on local flora and fauna.