The Institute shows the Brazilian states which are the natural habitat of the remaining birds of the 159 national species and subspecies which are at risk of extinction, according to the latest survey (2003) by Ibama (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Natural Resources). The spix's macaws and the Alagoas curassow, for instance, which used to be found in Bahia, Maranhão, Pernambuco, Piauí and Alagoas, can only be found in captivity today. The most serious case, however, refer to the small blue macaws and the eskimo curlew, which are totally extinct both in the forests and in captivity areas. The map legend presents the geographic distribution, the scientific and common name of these birds, as well as the level of endangerment of each species.

The printed version of the map “Fauna in Danger of  Extinction: Birds – 2005”, may be bought for R$ 15, from this month on, at the bookshops of IBGE all over the country and also at the virtual shop of the institute, which may be accessed through www.ibge.gov.br. Also on the IBGE web site, it is possible to access the map, both through the link “Interactive Maps” and also through the “Geoscience” section.

Still in 2006, IBGE is expected to release another map with the same characterisitcs as in the current one, portraying 69 mammals, 20 reptiles and 16 amphibians in danger of extinction. The publication of a third map, including insects and other terrestrial non-vertebrate animals, is expected for 2007.  

By releasing the current conditions of the preservation of Brazilian fauna by location, the institute fulfills a fundamental part of its mission of describing the national territory, by contributing to possible recuperation programs for endangered species and also by calling attention to the importance of environmental preservation. The most recent list of endangered species released by Ibama (2003) shows about 394 species and subspecies (not including fish and aquatic non-vertebrates). In 1989 there were 220 species, which means an increment of about 80%. In terms of birds, there was increment of 46% of the number of endangered species (they were 109 in 1989 and 159 in 2003).

Studies on endangered species have been conducted by IBGE since the end of the 1980’s. They are mostly based on the official Ibama lists and complemented with information obtained from different survey institutions and from specific literature. The studies produce data which area stored in the database of the Fauna Register, and also made available in maps (scale 1:5:000.000), such as the one being launched, which is commonly used in schools.

The group of Brazilian animal species is a valuable resource and a vast natural, cultural and economic property of the country. However, both the destruction of the vegetation coverage and extraction practices have contributed considerably to its end, which means reduction of  biodiversity.

The group of Brazilian animal species is a valuable resource and a vast natural, cultural and economic property of the country. However, both the destruction of the vegetation coverage and extraction practices have contributed considerably to its end, which means reduction of biodiversity. The disappearance of natural habitats is one of the main factors which accelerate the process of animal extinction - together with others such as predatory hunting and pollution. Besides, the hunting of many species - especially those of high decorative or economic value, a group in which birds stand out for the beauty of their feathers - damages the process of preservation and is directly connected to the extinction process.