When forests return, wildlife returns
In Brazil's Araguaia Biodiversity Corridor, ecological restoration is gradually reconnecting fragmented habitats between the Amazon and Cerrado biomes. While thousands of native trees are helping to rebuild these landscapes, another encouraging sign of recovery is emerging: wildlife is coming back.
As part of its restoration work, the Black Jaguar Foundation recently installed camera traps across some of the oldest restored areas. These motion-activated cameras provide a unique glimpse into how wildlife is responding as habitats mature and ecological connections are restored. The first images and videos have captured an impressive variety of species, each playing a different role in the ecosystem
Every species tells a story
Some of the animals recorded are considered ecosystem engineers. The giant armadillo, for example, creates extensive underground burrows that become shelter for numerous other species. Its presence suggests that restored areas are developing the complexity needed to support a wider range of ecological interactions.
Other species help forests regenerate naturally. The lowland tapir, often referred to as the "gardener of the forest", disperses seeds over long distances. One particularly promising recording showed a mother tapir accompanied by her calf, indicating that wildlife is not only visiting restored areas but also finding suitable conditions to raise the next generation.
"Every camera trap image is more than a wildlife sighting; it's evidence that ecological restoration is creating the conditions for nature to return."
Camera traps also documented species that depend on connected landscapes. Animals such as the crab-eating fox and the iconic maned wolf move across different habitats in search of food and shelter. Their presence highlights the importance of habitat corridors, which allow wildlife to move safely between restored forests, native vegetation and surrounding landscapes.
A sign of growing biodiversity
Several recordings featured species that are rarely observed directly in the wild. The red brocket deer, a shy forest-dwelling species, relies on dense native vegetation for protection and feeding. The ocelot, a medium-sized wild cat, depends on sufficient cover to hunt and move through the landscape. Both species are considered indicators that restored forests are starting to provide the structure and shelter that more sensitive wildlife requires.
Another remarkable visitor captured on camera was the giant anteater. Feeding on thousands of ants and termites every day, it plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance. Species like the giant anteater rely on large, connected habitats, making their return a positive sign that restoration efforts are creating functioning ecosystems rather than simply planting trees.
Discover our partnership with the Black Jaguar Foundation and how we contribute to restoring biodiversity in Brazil.
Learn moreRestoring more than forests
The return of wildlife demonstrates that ecological restoration is about much more than increasing tree cover.
Healthy ecosystems depend on countless interactions between plants, animals, soil and water. When species return, they help disperse seeds, regulate populations, create habitat and reconnect natural processes that support biodiversity over the long term.
Through our partnership with the Black Jaguar Foundation, we are contributing to the restoration of landscapes that benefit both nature and future generations. Every camera trap image offers a reminder that restoration is helping rebuild the ecological relationships that make thriving ecosystems possible. As forests return, wildlife returns too.
