Country/Region: Brazil
Partner: Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres (ICAS)
The Anteaters & Highways Project Phase III is the final segment of a comprehensive 10-year initiative aimed at addressing wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC) in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. This project, funded by Fondation Segré and partnered with ICAS, uses giant anteaters as a focal species to highlight and tackle the broader issue of road safety for wildlife. From 2017 to 2023, the project has successfully demonstrated the severe impact of WVC on both human and animal populations, raised significant public awareness, and proposed and tested effective solutions. These efforts have influenced state policies, leading to safer roads.
In this concluding phase, the project seeks to solidify its impact through several key actions. Firstly, it will focus on the reintroduction of giant anteater pups that have been orphaned due to road accidents, aiming to restore populations in areas where the species has become extinct. Secondly, the project will continue to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of various mitigation measures, both in the field and within the political framework.
Additionally, a major goal of Phase III is to establish a robust participatory network involving environmental entities and local authorities. This network will be instrumental in continuing the monitoring, research, and advocacy efforts necessary for ongoing mitigation of WVC. Through expanded educational outreach and the creation of a collaborative network, the project aims to ensure that its legacy and the safety of wildlife on Brazilian roads are maintained well into the future.
You can read more about our support to the Phase II of the project HERE.