The History and Population Dynamics of the Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber) in Southern and Southeastern Brazil

The Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber) is primarily distributed in northern, southeastern, and southern Brazil. While 20th-century records declined sharply in the latter two regions, the population began recovering in the early 1980s. This paper synthesizes the species’ distribution history in southern/southeastern Brazil and identifies key drivers of its apparent disappearance and reappearance: anthropogenic impacts combined with inherent ecological traits.

Henrique

Temple note

1. Introduction

A flagship American bird, the Scarlet Ibis ranges across northern/eastern South America, with two disjunct populations in Brazil: northern (Pará, Amapá, Maranhão) and southern (São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina; Sick 1997). Brazilian records date to the 16th century, with indigenous feather use documented in São Paulo (Staden 1557) and later accounts of its striking plumage by Cardim (1925) and Gândavo (1576).

2. Historical Distribution

Santa Catarina: Earliest records from 1712–1763 (southernmost historical sightings; Haro 1990), deemed extinct by 2000 (Naka & Rodrigues 2000).
Paraná: First referenced in a 1653 illustration of Paranaguá Bay (Straube 2005), with 19th-century specimens and sightings (Natterer, Saint-Hilaire) and early 20th-century coastal records (Martins, Krone).
São Paulo: Isolated 20th-century sightings (e.g., 1961 São Vicente specimen) preceded broader recovery.

3. Population Recovery (1980s–Present)

Recovery began in coastal São Paulo: initial sightings near Santos (1980s), confirmed nesting in Cubatão (1989), and population growth to 385 individuals in Santos mangroves (1998; Olmos & Silva-Silva 2001). By the 2000s, the species expanded to Cananéia (971 foraging individuals in 2009) and established a breeding colony on Ilha do Cardoso (1,000 birds in 2015).

Parallel recoveries occurred in Paraná (Paranaguá estuarine complex, max. 225 individuals by 2013) and Santa Catarina (Babitonga Bay breeding colony, 2011). Dispersal along the coast (evidenced by ringed birds) maintains gene flow between subpopulations (Grose 2016).

4. Drivers of Decline and Recovery

Decline: Mangrove degradation, hunting for plumage, egg collection (Lago-Paiva 1994), and reduced observer coverage. Isolated groups may have dispersed to remote mangroves (supported by 1781 protection edicts; Straube 2011).
Recovery: Reduced anthropogenic pressure, habitat tolerance (even in disturbed urban areas), and potential north-south dispersal or historical coastal connectivity (genetic similarity supports both hypotheses; Gonçalves et al. 2010). The 1967–69 introduction of 19 northern pairs to Cubatão (Olmos 2003) may have aided recovery.

5. Conclusion

The Scarlet Ibis’ apparent "extinction" in southern Brazil reflects both anthropogenic impacts and ecological traits (dispersal, habitat preference for dense mangroves). Its recovery highlights the species’ resilience, though estuarine conservation remains critical. Tolerance of moderate human disturbance underscores the value of balancing habitat protection with community coexistence.

8 Spectacular Sea Arches You Must See Around the World

Sea arches are one of nature’s most stunning creations. Carved over millennia by relentless waves and tides, these stone formations offer breathtaking views and unforgettable photo opportunities. Some arches are accessible only by boat, while others can be explored on foot at low tide. Here are eight of the world’s most remarkable sea arches.

Evolution of the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon: A Timeless Off-Road Icon

The concept of the Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen, or "cross-country vehicle," was born in the early 1970s with a clear purpose in mind - to craft an all-wheel-drive vehicle that was not only rugged and capable but also comfortable for both off-road adventures and everyday use. This vehicle was envisioned to shine not only on the battlefield but also as a reliable mode of transport for everything from skiers heading to their alpine lodges to farmers tending their Riesling vineyards.

5 Fashion Trends Expected to Dominate in 2024, According to Fashion Experts

As we step into the new year, it's an opportune moment to reassess your wardrobe, identifying items that may be veering toward outdated, those ripe for reinvention, and pieces poised for inclusion. In 2024, style mavens anticipate a continuation of '90s-inspired fashion, embracing jelly accessories and collegiate prep, alongside unexpected influences such as grandpa chic, jazz, and retro femininity.

Create Beautiful Paper Collage Art in Under 15 Minutes

Many of us tend to collect beautiful scraps of paper, tucking them away for a "perfect" future project that never seems to arrive. Today is the day to transform those hidden treasures into something you can truly admire. Paper collage is a wonderfully accessible art form because it lacks strict rules and requires no specialized expertise. This project is perfect for everyone—even those who claim they aren't artistic. By moving quickly and silencing your inner critic, you can complete a stunning piece of art in just 15 minutes.