Research Options at Iracambi

Biological Studies

Below is an expanded list of research areas available at Iracambi in fields related to biological studies.  The list below is not exhaustive, so we encourage you to contact us with any further inquiries, for information about past and current research projects or with any ideas you may have for your own project.  We can be reached at Iracambi@iracambi.com 

 Medicinal Plants

• Research on medicinal properties of Atlantic Forest plants;
• Best practices for growing medicinal plants;
• Continue current research on ethnobotanical research on plants;
• Best practices and new methods for processing and utilization of plants;
• Market research to determine demand for medicinal plant products;
• Sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants;
• Application of medicinal plant products;
• Relationships between medicinal plants and Atlantic Forest insects.

 Tropical Forest Botany

• Inventory of secondary growth forests at Iracambi and in the park buffer zone;
• Identify key indicator species for ecosystem monitoring;
• Creation of guides for proper identification of area plants;
• Develop a system for ecosystem monitoring by local communities;
• Study the ecology of medicinal plants to enable better identification of suitable areas for their cultivation;
• Photographic documentation of the life cycles of medicinal, timber, or pasture-improving tree species as a basis for a silviculture manual;
• Inventory of Bromeliads and Orchids in the local area.

 General Wildlife and Endangered Species

• Identify key indicator species for ecosystem monitoring;
• Conduct a single species study on animals that are endangered or endemic to the Atlantic forest;
• Location of species found at Iracambi, with specific respect to habitats;
• Identification of special protection measures needed for species of concern;
• Continuous input and monitoring with databases to keep species list and perceived status up to date;
• Analysis of past data of species changes including seasonal changes;
• Keep computer identification tools and list of useful links and references.

Birds

• Study birds through sound recordings;
• Study birds’ ecological role in seed dispersal and secondary succession;
• Produce information on birds and their habitats for educational materials and guides;
• Gather data on endangered species that reside in the local area;
• Analyze data in order to determine population patterns;
• Study habitat use, particularly in areas where eucalyptus trees have been cleared for natural forest regeneration.

 Mammals

• Map densities of species present;
• Ecological impact of isolated forest fragmentation on species;
• Add to the photographic database of species present;
• Single species behavioral study;
• Ecological impact of isolated forest fragments on a species;
• Study of the role of bats in the ecosystem of the Mata Atlântica.

Insects

• Expand photographic documentation of biodiversity of butterfly, moth, and insect species in the area;
• Investigate the role of butterflies in the pollination of native plants and agricultural crops (particularly coffee);
• Identify key indicator species for ecosystem monitoring;
• Explore the role of moths in the ecosystem, including their effects on local crops

For our information sheet for researchers, click here. To get an idea of what it is like to live at Iracambi please go to our Life at Iracambi page.