Initiatives

With booklets and binoculars in hand, attentive eyes look to the skies: groups of up to 50 children observe endangered bird species in a park in Asunción, Paraguay. Known as the Guardians Club, this is a socioenvironmental initiative supported by Vale.

Their activities, organized by NGO Guyra Paragu​ay, are aimed at achieving objectives aligned to Vale sustainable practices: conservation of biodiversity and environmental preservation.

Groups are made up of stu​dents from a riverside community and the children of Vale employees. During the meetings, biologists and specialists explain the importance of environmental balance while identifying and counting the birds.

Five species are monitored by the Guardians Club. Find out more:

Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)

Conservation status in Paraguay: In critical danger of extinction

Problem: Loss of natural habitat due to human presence and animal trafficking

Interesting fact: On average, these birds live for 60 years. They are known for their “loving” habits: it’s not unusual to see couples rubbing their heads together and touching beaks. Pairs are faithful and stay together for life.

Bare-throated Bellbird (Procnias nudicollis)

Conservation status in Paraguay: Endangered

Problem: Deforestation and animal trafficking

Interesting fact: the name by which the bird is known in Paraguay – “pájaro campana” – is so given for the shrill call made by males to mark their territory - the young spend years learning to scare off enemies and dominate their own area.

Saffron-cowled Blackbird (Xanthopsar flavus)

Conservation status in Paraguay: Vulnerable

roblem: Lack of water due to livestock or plantations

Interesting fact: Typical of the Argentinean Pampas, Uruguay and inland Paraguay, the Saffron-cowled Blackbird is never alone: groups of up to 500 are easily identified as they fly low in search of food in the water.

Saffron Toucanet (Baillonius bailloni)

Conservation status in Paraguay: Vulnerable

Problem: deforestation

Interesting fact: This bird is the smallest of five toucan species found in Paraguay, and can only be found in the Atlantic Forest area of the Alto Paraná region. Restricted as it is to a single region, the Saffron Toucanet is considered an endangered species. It feeds on blackberries.

White-winged Nightjar (Eleothreptus candicans)

Conservation status in Paraguay: Endangered

Problem: native vegetation yielding to crops

Interesting fact: This nocturnal species is known for the way its males show off their white plumage to females during full moon. Small in size, the White-winged Nightjar is tame and easily captured.