Brazilian Ecosystems Locations
Students on the Brazilian Ecosystems program conduct environmental field studies, and Portuguese language coursework at the following program sites located across the country of Brazil:
- Atlantic Coastal Forest – Hummingbird Mountain Reserve
- WORDS Language Institute and Homestays – Curitiba
- Marine and Coastal Biomes – Marine Research Center, Federal University of Paraná
- Neotropical Savanna Cerrado Biome – Brasilia
- Amazon Rainforest – Ducke Reserve, Manaus
- Tropical Wetland Biome – Pantanal, Poconé
Atlantic Coastal Forest – Hummingbird Mountain Reserve
Located in the Morretes region of the state of Paraná, the Hummingbird Mountain Reserve is situated among mist-enshrouded slopes of rainforest that is found along Brazil’s coastal mountain chain. Conservation biologists from the Federal University of Paraná give field instruction on the ecology and biodiversity patterns of this highly endangered ecosystem, and teach census methods used to monitor threatened populations of birds and mammals. In addition, environmental laws regarding habitat protection are discussed. Students also visit with local community members practicing different forms of sustainable resource management.
WORDS Language Institute and Homestays – Curitiba
Curitiba, the capital of the state of Paraná, is a medium-size city of 1.5 million inhabitants. It is home to three universities-Pontifical Catholic University, the University of Paraná, and Tuiuti University of Paraná-and is known for its environmentally progressive urban planning and resource management policies. Professional language instruction at WORDS delivers full days of Portuguese lessons. A short-term homestay with Brazilian families provides a warm introduction to Brazilian culture and social traditions.
Marine and Coastal Biomes – Marine Research Center (UFPR)
Many of Brazil’s most distinguished marine biologists and oceanographers work at this research field station belonging to the Federal University of Paraná. It is located where a large estuary meets the Atlantic Ocean, in the small seaside town of Pontal do Sul, Paraná. Lectures and corresponding field instruction cover the ecology and conservation of coastal plant communities, marine invertebrates and vertebrate species. The impacts of marine pollution, commercial fishing and coastal development on marine biodiversity are explored through direct field observation and discussions. Students also learn the techniques used for the treatment and release of injured marine animals.
Neotropical Savanna Cerrado Biome – Brasília
Cerrado vegetation (neotropical savanna) occupies a substantial portion of Brazil, and is rapidly undergoing conversion to agriculture. The group explores cerrado habitats in their natural state with research ecologists from the Federal University of Brasília. The class also meets with representatives of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), headquartered in the capital city of Brasilia, to discuss federal environmental policy, and learns about sustainable development options for this region from a university specialist active in this field.
Amazon Rainforest – Ducke Reserve, Manaus
Decades of world-class research have been conducted in the Ducke Reserve, which protects 10,000 hectares of lowland rainforest. Ecologists from Brazil’s National Institute of Amazonian Research lead the student group in carrying out a field study of the factors affecting plant species diversity in the Amazon. Program participants also learn the methods used to determine microhabitat richness and fish species diversity in the Amazon’s freshwater streams.
Tropical Wetland Biome – Pantanal Poconé
The Pantanal is a wetland that covers an area the size of South Dakota, spanning southwestern Brazil, and bordering Bolivia and Paraguay. This vast, nutrient-rich system supports an abundance of wildlife. The integrity of the ecosystem is threatened by a host of human activities, and the complex water cycles are destined to be disrupted by a planned shipping channel. Biologists from the University of Mato Grosso conduct class activities that focus on the ecology of wetland amphibians, reptiles, and insects, and the methods used to study them.
(Note: each year locations and itinerary are subject to change).
