Howard Quigley Private Natural Heritage Reserve established in Brazilian Pantanal

On June 5th 2024 the Howard Quigley Private Natural Heritage Reserve was established in Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The Natural Heritage Reserve spans 1,590 acres (643 hectares) of biodiverse Pantanal ecosystems, part of the largest wetland in the world, that protects the habitat of various species threatened with extinction, such as the iconic jaguar (Panthera onca).

The Private Natural Heritage Reserve is adjacent to various important natural features and protected areas in Brazil’s Pantanal. It borders the Piquiri River and the Encontro das Águas State Park. The state park is considered by some to be the best location on the planet to spot jaguars in the wild, In addition to jaguars the  Private Natural Heritage Reserve protects the habitat of various endangered or threatened species including the chestnut-belly jacu (Penelope ochrogaster), blue macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), and giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). 

The reserve’s name is a tribute to the biologist Howard Quigley, who studied big cats for over five decades and who completed his doctorate in the Pantanal in the 1980’s, going on to make important discoveries about the ecology and conservation of the jaguar in the biome. Panthera will be managing the private reserve and has so far laid the groundwork for enhancing ecotourism by planning the construction of trails and observation towers within the reserve.

Acknowledgements: 

The establishment of the Private Natural Heritage Reserve was accomplished thanks to the Ministry of Environment of Brazil and the Chico Mendes institute for the conservation of biodiversity. Technical assistance was provided by Panthera and the Piúva Rosa project with the financial support of the Andes Amazon Fund, Rainforest Trust and Pew Charitable Trusts.