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Return of the Scarlet Ibis Boosts Ecotourism and Reinforces Mangrove Protection in Guaratuba Bay
After about 80 years of absence, the scarlet ibis (Eudocimus ruber) has been seen in large numbers in Guaratuba Bay, on the coast of Paraná, heating up environmental tourism and strengthening education and conservation efforts. According to a report from Terra da Gente (G1), the flocking in the late afternoon has become an attraction for visitors and a source of income for local activities. The movement has been monitored by researchers and organizations in the region.
The presence of the scarlet ibis is pointed out by experts as a positive indicator of environmental quality in mangroves and estuarine areas. According to Edgar Fernandez, a researcher at the Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation (LEC), the species directly depends on these environments for food, shelter, and rest. This sensitivity makes the bird a natural thermometer of the state of coastal ecosystems.
With the species’ return, the Instituto Guaju partnered with other organizations to promote a training course for local guides to qualify professionals in ecotourism, sport fishing, and birdwatching. The goal is to create a responsible offer that generates work and income without putting pressure on the fauna. Nature photographer Bruno Carlesse highlights that observing scarlet ibises also serves as an environmental awareness tool.
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Public interest grows especially in the late afternoon, when the flock gathers on an island used as a roost. The period of greatest concentration occurs between April and October, although observation is possible year-round. To take the tour, the recommendation is to seek out guides and specialized institutions.
Return of the Scarlet Ibis, Environmental Indicator and Identity of Guaratuba
Rediscovered in the region in 2008, the scarlet ibis gradually regained its space in the mangroves of Guaratuba. Between 2017 and 2018, systematic records of the roosting island were made, a step that solidified ongoing monitoring and research. According to LEC and Instituto Guaju, the scarlet ibis has been treated as an <strong umbrella species, protecting, in turn, the estuarine ecosystems it shares with other birds.
The return also rekindles local identity. The scarlet ibis is the symbolic bird of the municipality and is linked to the very name of Guaratuba. The presence of the species reinforces the value of the mangroves as nurseries for marine life and as a natural asset that, if well managed, supports low-impact tourism with high educational relevance.
Training of Guides and Opportunities in Ecotourism
To organize demand and avoid pressure on nature, the Instituto Guaju structured a local guides course focused on best practices. According to the organization and researchers cited by Terra da Gente (G1), the training aims at safety, environmental interpretation, and responsible experience. This helps create a visitation standard that respects resting hours and sensitive areas.
By valuing caiçara culture and community-based tourism, the training expands income generation for boatmen, guides, and small businesses. As Edgar Fernandez (LEC) emphasizes, strengthening sustainable activities protects the scarlet ibises and the mangroves, essential for the balance of Guaratuba Bay. It is an agenda that combines conservation and local development.
Participant of the training, photographer Bruno Carlesse assesses that the scarlet ibis observation route goes beyond the tour. The experience of the flocking in the late afternoon is moving, but it also informs about the importance of estuaries and mangroves, creating a virtuous cycle of knowledge and support for preservation. This engagement tends to reflect in more responsible practices by visitors.
In the short term, the professionalization of services helps to organize the offer and avoid improvisations that could cause stress to the fauna. In the medium term, it consolidates a positioning of quality ecotourism, enhancing the attractiveness of the destination and distributing economic benefits more widely.
Species Census, Reproduction and Best Time for Observation
To understand the population dynamics, the Guará Project conducts periodic censuses. The most recent survey cited by Terra da Gente (G1) indicates that the bay is home to more than 4,000 individuals, making Guaratuba one of the main sites for the bird on the southern coast of the country. These numbers reinforce the region’s potential for birdwatching.
Despite the abundance, there are still gaps regarding reproduction in Paraná. According to Edgar Fernandez (LEC), there are no consolidated records of breeding colonies on the Paraná coast. The nearest active areas are in Babitonga Bay (SC) and in the estuaries of São Paulo, indicating seasonal movements.
Observation is possible year-round, but the greatest concentration occurs between April and October. Between November and February, part of the flock moves to reproduce in other areas, reducing the number of birds in the bay. To minimize impacts, it is recommended to hire specialized guides and to respect distances and resting hours, especially in the late afternoon and early evening.
The return of the scarlet ibises to Guaratuba reopens a necessary debate about the limits and opportunities of nature tourism. In your opinion, should the municipality expand access to strengthen the local economy or reinforce restrictions to prioritize absolute conservation of the mangroves? Leave your comment and join the conversation with proposals for a balance between revenue and environmental protection.
Eu vi um bando perto do meu terreno no bairro Palmeiras em Guaratuba não sabia que espécie eram , agora com a matéria fiquei felicíssima pq eu acho lindo a preservação dos manguezais estou perto deles e quero ajudar, no meu terreno vou preservar as árvores , mas acho que falta mta educação sobre o lixo …as pessoas deveriam se preocupar mais 😁
Maravilha da natureza, lamento não ver pessoalmente. Lindo demais