Life in Brazil: Making music and having pastéis and a beer at a local place, Monte Alegre, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.

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Making music and having pastéis and beer at a local place, Monte Alegre, Piracicaba, São Paulo, BrazilMaking music and having pastéis and beer at a local place, Monte Alegre, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil

Image below: Silvio Ferraz enters the local pastéis and beer place, Monte Alegre, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil

Silvio Ferraz enters the local pastéis and beer place, Monte Alegre, Piracicaba, São Paulo, BrazilSilvio Ferraz enters the local pastéis and beer place, Monte Alegre, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil

Road ecology blog: Lesson 345 from Marcel Huijser, the nutty road ecology professor:

In order to properly place a wildlife camera for a maned wolf you need to think like a maned wolf.... better yet... you need to be a maned wolf ! :)

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Lesson 345 from Marcel Huijser, the nutty road ecology professor: In order to place a wildlife camera for a maned wolf you need to think like a maned wolf.... better yet... you need to be a maned wolfLesson 345 from Marcel Huijser, the nutty road ecology professor: In order to place a wildlife camera for a maned wolf you need to think like a maned wolf.... better yet... you need to be a maned wolf!

Image below: Researchers at work: Bruna Oliveira, Maisa Ziviani Alves, Larissa Oliveira Gonçalves and Bethanie Walder look for tracks of maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) along a dirt road in the cerrado, Estação Ecológica de Itirapina, São Paulo, Brazil. We spent 2 days in the field this week. The second day we got up before sunrise as the temperature was predicted to reach around 40C later that day. Note the "perneiras" (snake bite leggings) that help reduce the probability of getting bitten by snakes, most notably cascavel (Crotalus durissus; South American rattlesnake) or jararaca (Bothrops jararaca).

Bruna Oliveira, Maisa Ziviani Alves, Larissa Oliveira Gonçalves and Bethanie Walder look for tracks of maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) along a dirt road, Estação Experimental e a Estação EcológicaBruna Oliveira, Maisa Ziviani Alves, Larissa Oliveira Gonçalves and Bethanie Walder look for tracks of maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) along a dirt road, Estação Experimental e a Estação Ecológica de Itirapina, São Paulo, Brazil. Note the "perneiras" (snake bite leggings) that help reduce the probability of getting bitten by cascavel (Crotalus durissus; South American rattlesnake) or jararace (Bothrops jararaca).

Image below: Tracks of maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) along a dirt road, Estação Ecológica de Itirapina, São Paulo, Brazil.

Tracks of maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) along a dirt road, Estação Ecológica de Itirapina, São Paulo, BrazilTracks of maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) along a dirt road, Estação Ecológica de Itirapina, São Paulo, Brazil

Image below: The mark of the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), tatoo of tracks on leg of Bruna Oliveira, Itirapina, São Paulo, Brazil.

The mark of the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), tatoe of tracks on leg of Bruna Oliveira, Itirapina, São Paulo, BrazilThe mark of the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), tatoe of tracks on leg of Bruna Oliveira, Itirapina, São Paulo, Brazil

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Road ecology blog: Black-pencilled marmoset and young (Callithrix penicillata) use canopy crossing, ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.

At first I thought the marmoset that used the canopy crossing had mange. Only after I looked at the image more carefully I saw the young clinging to the adult's back!

The canopy crossing was installed earlier this year in response to one or more marmosets being killed by vehicles at this location. While the canopy bridge is quite simple (canvas strap) it is being used by some of the marmosets. However, I also saw a marmoset running across the road right under the canopy crossing.

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Black-pencilled marmoset andbaby (Callithrix penicillata), ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, BrazilCanopy crossing for black-pencilled marmoset and baby (Callithrix penicillata), in front of the Department of Forest Sciences, ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. The canopy crossing was installed earlier this year in response to one or more marmosets being killed by vehicles in this location. While the canopy bridge is simple (canvas strap) it is being used by some of the marmosets. However, I also saw a marmoset running across the road right under the canopy crossing. Black-pencilled marmoset andbaby (Callithrix penicillata), ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, BrazilCanopy crossing for black-pencilled marmoset and baby (Callithrix penicillata), in front of the Department of Forest Sciences, ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. The canopy crossing was installed earlier this year in response to one or more marmosets being killed by vehicles in this location. While the canopy bridge is simple (canvas strap) it is being used by some of the marmosets. However, I also saw a marmoset running across the road right under the canopy crossing. Black-pencilled marmoset andbaby (Callithrix penicillata), ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, BrazilBlack-pencilled marmoset and baby (Callithrix penicillata), using a canopy crossing in front of the Department of Forest Sciences, ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil Black-pencilled marmoset andbaby (Callithrix penicillata), ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, BrazilCanopy crossing for black-pencilled marmoset and baby (Callithrix penicillata), in front of the Department of Forest Sciences, ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. The canopy crossing was installed earlier this year in response to one or more marmosets being killed by vehicles in this location. While the canopy bridge is simple (canvas strap) it is being used by some of the marmosets. However, I also saw a marmoset running across the road right under the canopy crossing. Black-pencilled marmoset andbaby (Callithrix penicillata), ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, BrazilCanopy crossing for black-pencilled marmoset and baby (Callithrix penicillata), in front of the Department of Forest Sciences, ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. The canopy crossing was installed earlier this year in response to one or more marmosets being killed by vehicles in this location. While the canopy bridge is simple (canvas strap) it is being used by some of the marmosets. However, I also saw a marmoset running across the road right under the canopy crossing.

Brazilian wildlife: Black-pencilled marmoset (Callithrix penicillata) (also called black-tufted-ear marmoset), ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.

While native further north in Brazil, these monkeys are a non-native invasive species in our area. They are very small... their head is about half the size of my hand. They live right on campus in the trees adjacent to the buildings. They eat fruit, flowers, tree sap, but they also predate on animals including insects and birds (eggs, young). In fact, while I was photographing the animals below they were attacked by two birds dive-bombing them... these birds clearly did not tolerate the monkeys at that location. One of the monkeys sped away. Another sought shelter by clinging to the bottom of a tree branch.

These monkeys are quite smart and creative... we need to close our windows when we leave the room. Otherwise they come in to look for food and I have been told they can make quite the mess! :). Note: the fence that is visible in the photos at the bottom is a fence along the road in front of the Department of Forest Sciences. The fence is not a cage; the monkeys are not fenced in in any way.

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Black-pencilled marmoset (Callithrix penicillata), ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, BrazilBlack-pencilled marmoset (Callithrix penicillata), ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil

Black-pencilled marmoset (Callithrix penicillata), ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, BrazilBlack-pencilled marmoset (Callithrix penicillata), ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil

Black-pencilled marmoset (Callithrix penicillata), ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, BrazilBlack-pencilled marmoset (Callithrix penicillata), ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil

Black-pencilled marmoset (Callithrix penicillata), ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, BrazilBlack-pencilled marmoset (Callithrix penicillata), ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. Note: the fence that is visible in the photo is a fence along the road in front of the Department of Forest Sciences. The fence is not a cage; the monkeys are not fenced in in any way. Black-pencilled marmoset (Callithrix penicillata), ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, BrazilBlack-pencilled marmoset (Callithrix penicillata), ESALQ campus, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. Note: the fence that is visible in the photo is a fence along the road in front of the Department of Forest Sciences. The fence is not a cage; the monkeys are not fenced in in any way.

Text by Bethanie Walder

Brazil: Hiking in style, Serra Fina, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

In mid-September, we escaped the 99°F heat in Piracicaba by heading to the mountains with Fernanda and Gamba. Our plan was to climb Argulhas Negras, the fifth highest mountain in Brazil. We arrived just in time, grabbing one of the last permits of the day. But we were too late for a spot in the campground.

The climb started mellow enough – a dirt trail through otherworldly rocks and “alpine” bamboo. After a short while we encountered rocks, and more rocks and then more rocks. We walked straight up several rock faces and eventually came to a very short, very steep rock that required ropes and harnesses. Gamba, of course, was prepared (and the Park Managers had checked that we had the proper gear before issuing our permit, too). Marcel decided that carrying his big camera up such a climb was not a good idea, and he was right (we did not realize, when setting off for the weekend, what type of mountain we were climbing, or he might have left the camera behind). So Marcel stayed put while the three of us continued bouldering and scrambling up the rock face to the final ascent, which also required ropes. It was a glorious day and the view from the peak was stunning! The mountain was full with people (apparently only 100 people are allowed permits on any given day, and now I understand why, since there are so many tight spots along the trail and at multiple times we had to wait for others to descend before we could ascend and vice versa). Though it was nice to see so many people outside, it was not a “wilderness” type experience.

Hiking down the steep rock faces was even more challenging than hiking up. We met up with Marcel and tiptoed our way back down the last steep sections of the trails. We stayed in the park until sunset, hoping (successfully) for some good late afternoon sun to light up the rocks. We also hoped to find some sapo flamenguinho frogs, which are endemic to Itaitaia. But the rainy season has yet to begin, and the frogs won’t be back until the water is back.

We left the park and headed to Refugio Serra Fina – a beautiful and incredibly comfortable lodge at the base of the Serra Fina mountain range. Since we missed out on a campsite, we opted for a serious upgrade. Gamba is good friends with Mauricio, who owns the Refugio. It was an absolutely perfect place to spend the rest of our weekend. We arrived just in time for dinner on Saturday night.

Image below: Bird of Paradise flower, Refúgio Serra Fina, near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Bird of Paradise plant Refúgio Serra Fina, near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, BrazilBird of Paradise plant Refúgio Serra Fina, near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Image below: Hammocks on the deck of Refúgio Serra Fina, near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Hammocks on the deck of Refúgio Serra Fina, near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, BrazilHammocks on the deck of Refúgio Serra Fina, near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Mauricio built the Refugio specifically to accommodate hikers and to create a calm, tranquil refuge for post-hike relaxation. He’s also working hard to protect water quality and wildlife habitat. He owns a lot of the land above the Refugio, and as long as he owns it, it will not be logged or otherwise degraded, thus ensuring high quality water both for the Refugio and for those below it. The Refugio is perfectly located for those who might want a nice place to start or finish the four-day hike across the Serra Fina mountain range. It’s also perfect for those who just want to spend a nice weekend day hiking, visiting waterfalls, relaxing, meeting other hikers, birdwatching, and eating great food. As with many of the places we’ve been here, the wildlife are very shy and hard to see.

After a blissfully quiet night, we hiked to a smaller peak, Quartizito, with Fernanda and Gamba. It’s the first part of the trail across Serra Fina and it was beautiful, though crazy steep, and with no switchbacks. We returned to the Refugio for lunch and a post afternoon nap in the hammocks. By the time we got organized to leave it was nearly sunset, so we procrastinated for just a few minutes so Marcel could take some photos, and then we piled into the car for the long drive back to Sao Paulo/Piracicaba.

Image below: Fernanda Abra hikes Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Fernanda Abra hikes Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, BrazilFernanda Abra hikes Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Image below: Fernanda Abra hikes Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Fernanda Abra hikes Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, BrazilFernanda Abra hikes Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Image below: Fernanda Abra hikes Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Fernanda Abra hikes Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, BrazilFernanda Abra hikes Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Image below: Hikers in Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Hikers in Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, BrazilHikers in Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Image below: Hikers in Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Hikers in Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, BrazilHikers in Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

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Brazilian birds: Flock of white-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi), Tanquã wetland, Rio Piracicaba, São Paulo State.

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Flock of white-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi), Tanquã wetland, Rio Piracicaba, São Paulo, BrazilFlock of white-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi), Tanquã wetland, Rio Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil

Brazilian birds: Rosy-billed pochard (Netta peposaca), Tanquã wetland, Rio Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.

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Rosy-billed pochard (Netta peposaca), Tanquã wetland, Rio Piracicaba, São Paulo, BrazilRosy-billed pochard (Netta peposaca), Tanquã wetland, Rio Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil

Brazilian birds: Rufous-sided crake (Laterallus melanophaius), Tanquã wetland, Rio Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil

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Rufous-sided crake (Laterallus melanophaius), Tanquã wetland, Rio Piracicaba, São Paulo, BrazilRufous-sided crake (Laterallus melanophaius), Tanquã wetland, Rio Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil Rufous-sided crake (Laterallus melanophaius), Tanquã wetland, Rio Piracicaba, São Paulo, BrazilRufous-sided crake (Laterallus melanophaius), Tanquã wetland, Rio Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil Rufous-sided crake (Laterallus melanophaius), Tanquã wetland, Rio Piracicaba, São Paulo, BrazilRufous-sided crake (Laterallus melanophaius), Tanquã wetland, Rio Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil

Brazilian birds: Black vulture (Coragyps atratus) Tanquã wetland, Rio Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.

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Black vulture (Coragyps atratus) Tanquã wetland, Rio Piracicaba, São Paulo, BrazilBlack vulture (Coragyps atratus) Tanquã wetland, Rio Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil

*** SELECT BLACK AND WHITE PAPER FOR PRINTING; COLOR PAPER WILL RESULT IN BROWN HAZE OVER IMAGE *** Black vulture (Coragyps atratus) Tanquã wetland, Rio Piracicaba, São Paulo, BrazilBlack vulture (Coragyps atratus) Tanquã wetland, Rio Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil

Brazilian landscapes: Forested ridges, Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais.

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Forested ridges, Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, BrazilForested ridges, Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

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Brazilian landscapes: Silhouetted Ridges at sunset, Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

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Silhouetted Ridges at sunset, Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, BrazilSilhouetted Ridges at sunset, Serra Fina (a section of Serra da Mantiqueira), near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

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Sunset at Serra Fina, a section of Serra da Mantiqueira, near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil

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Sunset at Serra Fina, a section of Serra da Mantiqueira, near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, BrazilSunset at Serra Fina, a section of Serra da Mantiqueira, near Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais, Brazil