Turtle nursery in Soure is the target of a groundbreaking study by Ideflor-Bio in Marajó

The community of Araraquara, in the municipality of Soure, in the Marajó Archipelago, received a technical expedition conducted by the Biodiversity Management Directorate (DGBio), through the Project for the Creation of State Conservation Units in Pará. The objective was to conduct a specific biological survey of the species that use the area as a natural nursery. The scientific mission marks a significant advance for the conservation of Amazonian fauna, especially by identifying an unprecedented phenomenon in Pará: the coexistence of nesting both of marine turtles and Amazonian turtles.

The Araraquara region is one of the most sensitive areas of the Marajó coast, housing hard-to-access beaches and rich biodiversity, factors that make the location a strategic environment for the reproduction of threatened species. The simultaneous presence of marine and freshwater turtles in the reproductive process reinforces the need for integrated protection and sustainable management actions.

Rare phenomenon - “We are facing a unique phenomenon in Pará, which makes it even more urgent to define priority areas for the conservation of turtles,” says the director of Biodiversity Management at Ideflor-Bio, Crisomar Lobato.

The field activity was supported by the Management of the Administrative Region of Marajó (GRM) and the Eastern Marajó Regional Office (Soure), which monitored the environmental and social reality of the locality. The team traveled through isolated stretches of the coast, where it was possible to identify recent signs of nesting, as well as signs of predation of nests and adults, one of the greatest threats to the survival of the species. The survey aims to support effective protection measures, such as enforcement actions, environmental education, and inclusion of the local community in conservation strategies.

Survey - In addition to recording biological and environmental data, the technicians also conducted a preliminary mapping of the areas with the highest incidence of nests. The presence of natural and human predators, such as egg trafficking and hunting of adults, was considered one of the main risk factors.

“We need to ensure that these species have minimal conditions to fulfill their reproductive cycles. The survey is just the first step towards building an integrated and effective management plan,” explained biologist and environmental management technician at Ideflor-Bio, Priscila Fonseca.

Based on the information obtained, the project executed by Ideflor-Bio will begin defining priority action areas, seeking to integrate science, community, and public policies. The project will be responsible for coordinating monitoring and protection actions throughout the Pará territory, with a special focus on regions where data indicates greater ecological vulnerability.

Milestone - The activity in Araraquara represents an advance in understanding the reproductive dynamics of turtle species in the state and broadens the horizon of conservation strategies. The recognition of the locality as a unique environment reinforces the importance of inter-institutional initiatives and the direct involvement of communities in defending Marajó's natural heritage.

“We are talking about a territory that needs to be seen as an environmental, social, and scientific priority. The conservation of turtles goes beyond the protection of a species; it involves an entire ecological and cultural network that needs to be respected and strengthened,” concludes Crisomar Lobato.