Márcio Ayres, Amazonian primatologist
In the early 1980s, Márcio Ayres, an Amazonian primatologist began studying the Bald-headed Uakari. He was from the state of Pará, where he lived and studied...
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Experience the world's largest protected floodplain, home to Jaguars, Amazon River dolphins, and the iconic Bald-Headed Uakari at Mamirauá Reserve. Enjoy sustainable tourism at Uakari Lodge, guided by local communities.
Mamirauá Reserve is the largest protected floodplain area in the world. Abundant in natural resources, it is home to several species, including Jaguar, Amazon River Dolphin, Black Caiman, Manatee, Bald-Headed Uakari and an endemic primate, the Black-headed Squirrel Monkey. Mamirauá is also an example of community conservation, where residents can use natural resources in a sustainable way.
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Stories
Jaguar Expedition
Although Jaguars are the subject of huge interest, admiration and are part of the cultures of indigenous and riverside peoples, they are also considered a...
Indigenous recognition
The Mamirauá Reserve is full of history and when visiting Uakari Lodge tourists have the opportunity to visit a local community. This idea was started by the...
Species & habitat
The Bald-headed Uakari (Cacajao calvus) is one of the symbols of the Mamirauá Reserve. It gave its name to Uakari Lodge and is one of the species most sought after by tourists thanks to the work of biologist Marcio Ayres who arrived in the region in the early 1980s and developed his doctoral research in the region. The reserve was set up to protect the Uakari, but above all, to create a protected area where the local population also have their rights respected and can use the natural resources in a legal and sustainable way.
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Threats
The Mamirauá Reserve has been heavily exploited by traders from other Amazonian regions who moved to the region in search of all natural resources with economic value, especially wood and fish. With the creation of the reserve and the implementation of management that gave legal access to local populations, most of these problems have ended. However, now that natural resources have been protected and populations have grown, Mamirauá has once again become the target of illegal fishermen, who leave urban areas to catch fish with great commercial value, such as arapaima and tambaqui.
Supporters & Assessors
Why visit a Wildlife Heritage Area?
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Visitors to Wildlife Heritage Areas can take part in outstanding wildlife watching experiences that put wildlife first. Staying in a Wildlife Heritage Area helps local communities invest in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, benefitting community well-being and driving forward sustainable practices.
Designated for excellence
Communities achieve Wildlife Heritage Area designation by playing a central role in protecting wild animals and their habitats. With support from responsible travel organisations and wildlife experts, these communities are committed to help turn the tide on biodiversity loss and the climate crisis, adopt a zero tolerance for wildlife suffering in tourism, and advocate for positive change through a willingness to collaborate.
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