Questão 48 - UNEMAT 1° Dia 2010/2

 

[5] The scientists will examine the faeces of

cattle, pigs, deer and more unusual types of

animal like the capybara, the world's largest

rodent. The database has been designed to

[10] help farmers in Brazil manage their land in

a more sustainable and efficient way. The

project aims to lessen the impact of

intensive cattle grazing on the Pantanal

region in Brazil. The researchers said that

[15] by evaluating the botanical composition of

faeces from wild and domestic herbivores,

they are able to identify the preferred plant

grazing materials, foraging strategies and

nutritional requirements of the animals. This

[20] information is then used to recommend and

help landowners adopt land management

strategies that will benefit both cattle and

wildlife, as well as improve their profitability.

Speaking on a visit to Edinburgh to share

[25] the latest findings with his colleagues, Dr

Arnaud Desbiez, researcher for the Royal

Zoological Society's Pantanal Conservation

Initiative, based in Brazil, said: "The

Pantanal region is a unique ecosystem with

[30] areas of forest, wetland and savannah and

is recognised by several international

conservation protection designations.

"Ninety-five percent of the area is owned by

private landowners and we must work with

[35] them in order to safeguard this amazing

place. "Until recently, it was a pristine

environment benefiting from large scale

ranches, low human density and little active

management. "But now as intensive

[40] farming practices overtake traditional

methods, this ecosystem is increasingly

threatened. "The Pantanal Conservation

Initiative Project, a critical part of which is

analyzing and identifying plants deposited

[45] within faecal matter, has helped us to

provide practical tools to farmers to choose

better ways to manage and use the land".

As the world's largest wetland of any kind,

the Pantanal is regularly flooded and is

[50] characterized by an astonishing diversity of

wildlife, with thousands of fascinating

species present, many of which are

endangered. More than 200 plant species

have now been identified, photographed

[55] and characterised as part of the research.

Fonte:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8639 283.stm (acessado e adaptado em 22/04/10)

Segundo os pesquisadores, através da avaliação da composição botânica das fezes dos herbívoros domésticos e selvagens, será possível identificar: