Buying land to save threatened tropical habitats
San Rafael, Paraguay
PROJECT SUMMARY
San Rafael, located in southeastern Paraguay, is considered to be the most important tract of Atlantic Forest remaining in Paraguay. More than 310 bird species have been recorded there, 11 of which are globally threatened and 17 of which are near threatened. In addition, the forests of San Rafael protect the watershed of a major tributary of the Paraguay-Paranáriver system and are of great importance for the survival of the indigenous cultures remaining in the Paraguayan Atlantic Forest.
While San Rafael is a national park in name, the Paraguayan government lacks the funding to support its conservation. The park is still almost entirely privately-owned land, with inadequate resources for protection. For example, from 1992-1997, while a national park, forest cover at San Rafael decreased. It will continue to slowly decrease unless we can buy the lands, which are available at reasonable prices.
Guyra Paraguay helped create the San Rafael Conservation Alliance to halt the deforestation. In September 2002, with support from World Land Trust, Guyra made the first purchase of conservation lands at San Rafael - a large 5,000 acre tract that has been set aside for strict protection. Subsequently in 2005, Guyra Paraguay purchased an additional 3,750 acres, to which WLT contributed, and in 2006 WLT funded the purchase of an additional 1,000 acres. In total, Guyra Paraguay has declared for conservation in perpetuity a total of 15,320 acres of pristine habitats within San Rafael.
Guyra has negotiated favorable terms for added land purchases, and can purchase more properties if it can raise the necessary funds at $130 per acre for beautiful forested lands and natural savannahs. Eventually, Guyra Paraguay and partner organizations hope to purchase and protect 40,000 acres as a core private reserve and place conservation easements or other protective devices on another 25,000 hectares.
Please help to purchase lands at San Rafael with your donation at $130 per acre for excellent rainforest.
San Rafael, located in southeastern Paraguay, is considered to be the most important tract of Atlantic Forest remaining in Paraguay. More than 310 bird species have been recorded there, 11 of which are globally threatened and 17 of which are near threatened. In addition, the forests of San Rafael protect the watershed of a major tributary of the Paraguay-Paranáriver system and are of great importance for the survival of the indigenous cultures remaining in the Paraguayan Atlantic Forest.
While San Rafael is a national park in name, the Paraguayan government lacks the funding to support its conservation. The park is still almost entirely privately-owned land, with inadequate resources for protection. For example, from 1992-1997, while a national park, forest cover at San Rafael decreased. It will continue to slowly decrease unless we can buy the lands, which are available at reasonable prices.
Guyra Paraguay helped create the San Rafael Conservation Alliance to halt the deforestation. In September 2002, with support from World Land Trust, Guyra made the first purchase of conservation lands at San Rafael - a large 5,000 acre tract that has been set aside for strict protection. Subsequently in 2005, Guyra Paraguay purchased an additional 3,750 acres, to which WLT contributed, and in 2006 WLT funded the purchase of an additional 1,000 acres. In total, Guyra Paraguay has declared for conservation in perpetuity a total of 15,320 acres of pristine habitats within San Rafael.
Guyra has negotiated favorable terms for added land purchases, and can purchase more properties if it can raise the necessary funds at $130 per acre for beautiful forested lands and natural savannahs. Eventually, Guyra Paraguay and partner organizations hope to purchase and protect 40,000 acres as a core private reserve and place conservation easements or other protective devices on another 25,000 hectares.
Please help to purchase lands at San Rafael with your donation at $130 per acre for excellent rainforest.
PROJECT SNAPSHOT
LOCATION: Southeastern Paraguay
SIZE: 78,000 hectares (San Rafael National Park)
KEY SPECIES: 11 globally threatened and 17 near threatened bird species; more than 310 bird species; numerous endemic species, including endemic mammals and reptiles
HABITAT: Humid Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest with some natural grasslands and wetlands
LOCAL PARTNERS : Guyra Paraguay, San Rafael Conservation Alliance
ACTION: Creation of a core protected area through land purchase and conservation easements
FINANCIAL NEED: Funds are needed to purchase land that is up for sale at $130 per acre. Various areas are for sale, and Guyra Paraguay requires funds for their immediate purchase
LOCATION: Southeastern Paraguay
SIZE: 78,000 hectares (San Rafael National Park)
KEY SPECIES: 11 globally threatened and 17 near threatened bird species; more than 310 bird species; numerous endemic species, including endemic mammals and reptiles
HABITAT: Humid Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest with some natural grasslands and wetlands
LOCAL PARTNERS : Guyra Paraguay, San Rafael Conservation Alliance
ACTION: Creation of a core protected area through land purchase and conservation easements
FINANCIAL NEED: Funds are needed to purchase land that is up for sale at $130 per acre. Various areas are for sale, and Guyra Paraguay requires funds for their immediate purchase