Fernando de Noronha has a cleaning effort to remove exotic and invasive species from the mangrove | Living Noronha

The Chico Mendes Biodiversity Institute (ICMBio) is carrying out a cleaning effort in Mangue do Sueste, in Fernando de Noronha, on Thursday (28), at 8:30 am. The main objective is to remove the lead vine, which is an exotic and invasive species that poses a risk to the local ecosystem.

According to the institute’s fauna researcher, Rosana Camilo, the lead vine, scientifically known as American cuscutais a parasitic species.

“The species takes nutrients from other plants for survival. The presence of the lead vine in Fernando de Noronha is worrying because, in addition to parasitizing other species, it competes for resources and invades areas that could be colonized by native vegetation, interfering in the ecological chain of ecosystems”, explained the researcher.

The idea of ​​the joint effort is also to raise awareness about the damage caused by exotic and invasive species to the biodiversity of Fernando de Noronha. The lead vine can be found both in the National Marine Park and in the Environmental Protection Area (APA).

“The lead vine is a relatively easy plant to remove. We want local residents to be able to carry out this task on their own land, thus contributing to the preservation of Noronha’s ecosystem”, stated Rosana Camilo.

In addition to ICMBio technicians, residents and tourists can participate in the action. The organizers of the task force ask volunteers to bring gloves, a hat, closed shoes, long pants, repellent and water.

With around 1.5 hectares, Mangue do Sueste is the only one located on oceanic islands in the South Atlantic and is part of the National Marine Park area.

3rd year students at Escola Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha attended the lecture “Exotic species: a problem for the conservation of the Archipelago of Fernando de Noronha”, on Monday (25), given by João Vitor Sulino, a researcher at ICMBio.

Students received information about both native fauna and flora and exotic, endemic and invasive species. Data relating to the management actions carried out on the island by the institute’s research team were also passed on.

A former student at Escola Arquipélago, João Vitor Sulino has a degree in fisheries engineering from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE). Currently, he is a fellow of the GEF- Pró-Especies program for Early Detection and Rapid Response to Invasive Exotic Species actions.

“I feel very grateful to return to school as a professional and be able to inform about ICMBIo’s work and the reality of Noronha. I am very excited about the class’ participation and the students’ interest in helping with issues on the island”, said João Sulino.