A cuxiú-de-nariz-branco, a species of monkey endemic to the Amazon fauna - threatened with extinction - that lives in the Primate Forest at Eco Park Foz in Foz do Iguaçu, will have its story told in the pages of the next edition of National Geographic, one of the most important magazines in the world for producing reports on science, history, culture, wildlife and the environment.
The record was made by photographer Joel Sartore at the end of July, during a technical visit by the Photo Ark project team to Eco Park Foz. The aim of the project and the magazine known for its high-quality photojournalism is to document animals living in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries around the world, reinforcing the importance of environmental conservation.
The white-nosed cuxiú made it onto the Photo Ark because, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is classified as vulnerable (high level) by the Red List, a classification system that assesses the risk of extinction of species of plants, fungi and animals. The List is used as a guide for conservation, indicating which ones need attention and action to prevent their extinction.
Eco Park Foz is currently one of the only institutions in the country to house this species, which depends on human care to avoid extinction.
"Welcoming photographer Joel Sartore and the National Geographic team was an honor for all of us. We're a young park, just over two years old, but we're opening our doors to the world," said Leandro Mautone, partner-owner of Eco Park Foz.
Mautone added. "But it also increases our responsibility, as we are sheltering endangered animals that depend on our care to continue reproducing and, perhaps, to be reintroduced into the wild."
Primate Forest
The Primate Forest is the only primate immersion nursery in Brazil. In addition to the white-nosed cuxiú, it is possible to observe other species such as howler monkeys, big-bellied monkeys and night monkeys.
Eco Park Foz is located on the Cataratas Highway, next to the Dreams Park Show Complex, less than 15 minutes from the center of Foz do Iguaçu. It is open daily from 9am to 5pm. More information on the website: www.dreamsecopark.com.br
