The Wildlife Corridors Programme

The adjustments we’ve made in planting and maintenance are already showing a much better result than the seedlings we monitored early this year, which, after the worst dry spell in 91 years being followed by unprecedented frosts, were showing lower survival rates than usual.  Though we haven’t got the data analyzed yet, it’s clear to the naked eye that the seedlings are coming up faster and stronger. Invasive grass control is also taking place so that replanting can start once the rains arrive, hopefully in October. 

The photo shows an area approximately six months after planting where the new technique of irrigating at the same time as planting was carried out. During the last field visit, our Brazil Project Manager was impressed by the high survival estimates – around 90% in some areas, like this one. Early in 2023 a vegetation assessment will take place to measure survival and development of planted trees as well as spontaneous regeneration. 

As well as making adjustments in planting techniques to ensure better survival, our partner Viveiro Floresta (IPÊ) is helping the community nurseries improve their facilities, making sure there will be enough seedlings to fulfill the increasing restoration demand at Pontal. Following a workshop organized by WeForest and IPÊ at the end of last year, the nursery staff have been using the reference books and incorporating the best identification practices into their daily routine. Year after year, the identification of the best performing species will be tailored to concentrate on the most likely to survive and develop in the field.

Thank you for making this possible!

During 2021, 305.24 more hectares were restored, with an estimated 610 000 trees growing. Unfortunately, the intense heat of 2021 – the worst dry spell in 91 years – followed by unprecedented frosts created a significant challenge for young seedlings here. Our recent monitoring assessments earlier this year showed average survival rates of 40% in plantings less than two years old: that’s half our target rate.

To mitigate this, a work plan and timeline for replanting is under development, including species selection to focus on those more resistant to low rainfall and less fertile soil. This is likely to reduce the number of native species planted but will be a more resilient planting strategy for future climate shocks. Secondly, our planting teams are testing ways to enhance the survival and development of planted seedlings. One way will see irrigation and fertilizer applied at the same time as planting (above) and is expected to support faster root development during the high temperatures these young seedlings endure.

However, the fauna in our restored sites seems to be thriving! Many signs of wildlife in the corridors have been captured on 29 camera traps and 120 audio recorders. So far, camera footage of 23 different animal species in the corridors include tapirs, maned wolves (below), pumas and even a jaguar, and 11 000 hours of data from 120 audio recorders is being analysed to quantify bird species and activity.

Thank you for making this possible!