Mention “bushmeat hunting” or “invasive species” to a typical conservation biologist, and you’re likely to hear groans. Both threaten ecosystems around the world. In Brazil’s massive Pantanal wetland, however, the two problems are adding up to a conservation solution, researchers report in the journal Oryx. It’s an unexpected story involving war, pigs and a collection of skulls.
The Pantanal, one of the world’s largest freshwater wetlands, stretches from western Brazil into parts of Bolivia and Paraguay. It is famous for its wildlife – and cattle ranches: some 95% of the Pantanal is privately owned. In the past, hunting and poaching posed serious threats to local wildlife...
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