Salve Floresta is a paradise for birdwatching and a second home for true nature lovers, the priority is the conservation of our Atlantic Forest species.
by Laurin Soares & Micayla Dennis
8 min read
In the morning, the SARACURAS wake visitors with their characteristic song. During the day, the TOUCANS perch on the trees to eat their fruits, alongside rare birds such as the SOUTHEAST FAN-WINGED BIRD, which can be seen in our tropical garden. Interest in birdwatching has increased significantly. In recent years, where for many people this activity has become a hobby, birdwatchers are important for the protection of the environment, as they search for birds in an untouched environment and protect it.
In recent years, Eco Lodge Salve Floresta has been visited by many professional ornithologists from Brazil and abroad. In Brazil, around 1900 different bird species have been identified and catalogued. In the Salve Floresta region, more than 300 birds have been seen, photographed and recorded on Wikiaves. Birdwatching requires a quiet, gentle and patient demeanor; such guests are always welcome at Salve Floresta.
The most successful ornithologist in the world was the American Phoebe Snetsinger (1931-1999), who observed 8,400 species of living birds and received an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records. In 2017, the American Jonathan Hornbuckle (1943-2018) broke this record by observing about 9,600 species of birds.
Spaces and activities for birdwatching in Salve Floresta
As an advocate of eco-tourism, Salve Floresta aims to provide an ideal space for those interested in observing birds in their natural habitat, without any interference in their behavior or environment. It is through our commitment to conservation and minimal impact that we open our doors to birdwatchers who value environmental awareness.
Our area offers unique opportunities to observe birds found throughout the region, in a closer and non-invasive manner. Our observation tower is ideal for spotting birds known for their treetop activities, such as ANAMBEZINHO, ARAPONGA DO HORTO and MARIA PEQUENA. For bird species that prefer an environment closer to the ground, JAÓ-DO-SUL, MACUCO and MACUQUINHO, we have a hide (hidden bamboo house), the perfect place to shelter in comfort, while waiting for the perfect encounter. Our area has a variety of trails that can give you the opportunity to identify hundreds of different bird species. The trails are lined with native fruit trees, including Palmito Juçara which attracts several species of birds such as TOUCANO-DE-BICO-PRETO, ARAPONGA, ARAÇARI-POCA and PAVÓ. Salve Floresta has guides specialized in Birdwatching.
Birdwatching is becoming increasingly popular in Brazil, and now with the constant improvement of digital cameras, it is possible to capture and share these encounters like never before! According to the Brazilian Ornithological Records Committee, Brazil ranks second in the world in the number of bird species, where it is possible to find around 1900 different catalogued birds, many of which are found only in Brazil in one of our many biomes. Here at Salve Floresta, within the Atlantic Forest, we provide a unique experience in viewing some unique bird species.
Getting closer to the birds
To interact with nature in a non-invasive way, we attract birds closer by installing feeders close to their natural environment. By placing ripe bananas from our banana plantation, oranges from our trees and corn close to the ground, we attract many birds, providing food directly in their habitat.
By approaching the birds steadily, patiently and moving slowly, you will have the opportunity to see them up close. For Salve Floresta, it is especially important that our birds are not trained, so that they do not interact directly with you. This is so that their natural behaviors are not directly affected or altered through contact with humans.
Responsibility for Species Conservation
The Atlantic Forest is said to be over 60 million years old. Over the past century, São Paulo has lost a large majority of its natural vegetation, including most of the Atlantic Forest. As of 2017, it was recorded that less than 15% of the Atlantic Forest remains. Most of what remains is now protected by conservation, and because these preserved spaces are welcomed by ecotourism tourists, birdwatching has become a popular and environmentally conscious activity.
Birds are part of a much larger cycle in nature, responsible for the survival and well-being of many other species of plants, insects and animals. Hummingbirds are responsible for pollinating flowers, and can be seen up close on our hibiscus trees. Other bird species play an important role by dispersing seeds after eating different fruits. Birds help to keep the ecosystem in balance, and act as biological control by also feeding on insects and other pests.
By providing conservation space for these numerous bird species, we are ensuring their future existence. By focusing on the survival of a variety of birds, we also have the opportunity to conserve larger parts of the environment.
As the Atlantic Forest is a region known for having some of the greatest biodiversity in the world, its destruction could be truly catastrophic. We need to protect the sections of nature that are still preserved by remaining consistent in our conservation projects and continuing to educate people about the importance of sustainability. As environmental degradation continues to threaten the natural environment and lead to the possible extinction of many bird and animal species, by standing together we have the ability to positively impact the continuation of this precious biodiversity into the future.
Projects
One of the objectives of Eco Lodge Salve Floresta is the reforestation and restoration of deforested areas.
By regional integration and cooperation we understand activities to overcome the structural economic and social weaknesses of the Tapiraí region.