Tijuca Forest Reintroduces Species, Faces Challenges
Why this is here: A study published in February 2026 confirmed that toucans reintroduced to Tijuca National Park in 1970 have fully recovered their role as seed dispersers, contributing to forest recovery by interacting with at least 76% of plants in their original diet.
Efforts to restore animal populations in Tijuca National Park are reintroducing species once extinct in Rio de Janeiro, including pacas, howler monkeys, toucans, and now, blue-and-yellow macaws. The reintroduction aims to combat “empty forest syndrome,” where a lack of animals hinders seed dispersal and Atlantic Forest regeneration. Studies show toucans reintroduced 50 years ago have resumed their ecological role.
Despite progress, challenges remain as species adapt to their new home. Recently released macaws required recapture and retraining. In 2008, a biologist discovered the park lacked pacas, crucial for plant regeneration, prompting reintroduction efforts.
The Refauna program, with support from ICMBio, has successfully reintroduced cutias, bugios, and jabutis. The initiative seeks to address the absence of animals in seemingly preserved forests, essential for the ecosystem's future health and function.