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Release
of Mocós: Rock Cavies reintroduced
at Fazenda Tamanduá
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Continuing
the activities related to the preservation and maintenance of the
equilibrium of Fazenda Tamanduá’s ecosystem, the first officially
recorded reintroduction of rock cavies (Kerodon rupestris) in the
State of Paraíba was accomplished with great success on August 14
of this year.
The
rock cavies (the local name is mocó) are raised in a model
pen, 200 sq. m. in size, built around a small hill on the farm
itself, which has been approved by IBAMA since March 12, 2001. They
were caught by traps and were immediately submitted to a battery of
examinations (biometric and clinical). When that was done, they were
marked with rings. Each animal received a ring with a specific
number and was photographed. All data were registered on record
sheets containing a photo and individual data (number, name and
sex), biometric data (weight and body measurements), clinical data (rectal
temperature, heart and breathing rates, mucous and lymph node
examinations, and surface temperatures), results of feces and blood
exams, peculiarities and observations.
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All
procedures were carried out by the technical team composed of
Veterinarians Alain Galyboon and Fernando Borja (the latter being a
Professor of Veterinary Medicine at the Campina Grande Federal
University); Biologist Edvânia Alves Tutú; and Manoel Zacarias, a
Specialist in Biodynamic Agriculture. They were accompanied by the
IBAMA environmental analysts in the State of Paraíba (PB), Edilton
Rodrigues Nóbrega and Aníbal César de Vasconcelos.
Eight
animals were released at “Jorge's Hill”, at Fazenda Tamanduá,
which was the place where the last mocó was killed on the
farm. The release ceremony was touching and took place precisely at
11:40 a.m. on August 14, with the participation of the Landolt
Family; the above-mentioned technical team; Dr. Newton Marinho, the
head of the Technical Department of IBAMA in the State of Paraíba,
representing Dr. Erasmo Lucena, the Executive Manager of this entity;
and the environmental analysts mentioned. above.
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Each
animal received a ring with a specific number and was
photographed. |
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The media
– radio, press and television – gave broad coverage to the
events related to this first reintroduction of rock cavies (Kerodon
rupestris). In fact, the attention that this event received
highlights the importance of this small rodent for the semi-arid
ecosystem of North-Eastern Brazil. Because this animal, the only
species of the Kerodon genus, is part of this system’s food chain
and is food for snakes, wild cats, birds of prey and other
carnivorous animals. It also inhibits the presence of smaller
rodents, such as the mouse, in domestic crop fields. Thus, it makes
a significant contribution to the equilibrium of the Northeastern
semi-arid environment as a whole and especially the micro
environment at Fazenda Tamanduá. Besides, the people of the sertão
have expert knowledge of the culinary and medicinal qualities of
this nocturnal rodent, a herbivore with a docile nature that feels
at home in stony places. And because it is highly esteemed game,
this
human attitude contributed to its almost total extinction.
On
September 12, the first monthly technical visit will take place,
when the animals will be observed so that their reaction to the
natural environment may be monitored. And another reintroduction is
scheduled for the rainy period, which will certainly come at the
beginning of next year
Fernando
Borja
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The
Pool Table !
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Seeking
new attractions, the Home of Zé Bié, which enables Fazenda Tamanduá’s
residents to meet informally, this month inaugurated a pool table,
which will join the already traditional games of pif-paf, buraco,
pé duro, jigsaw puzzles, drafts and dominoes. The players
and others who awaited their turn were so anxious to play that there
was almost a fight among them !
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always, the rubacão (a dish of rice and beans) and the
home-grown chicken prepared by Miúda were a great success, while
her husband, Jorge Preto, looked after the barbecue skewers and beer
and soft drinks – all sold at cost price. The pool table was
entirely made in our workshop by Adelino, the carpenter, who
confirmed once more his skill and versatility ! |
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An
important event in the Tamanduá community ! |
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