“L’espoir est toujours là
...et moi, j’en ai beaucoup.”
Anita Studer's Mission
From Bird Conservation to Forest Protection
For over 40 years, Anita Studer has committed herself to understanding and protecting Brazil’s avian species, documenting the behaviors of more than 300 bird species across the country. Her work extends far beyond the confines of research labs and academic study. Studer’s research is rooted in hands-on fieldwork, requiring her to climb trees, wade through rivers, and trek through dense forests to gather data from some of Brazil’s most remote regions. Her field notes detail the intricate behaviors of birds—breeding habits, feeding patterns, and habitat challenges—all gathered through hours of patient observation in the wild.
However, Anita’s journey soon took a broader focus. During a flyover of the Pedra Talhada Forest, she witnessed the devastating effects of deforestation firsthand. What was once a vast, thriving forest had been reduced to an isolated green oasis surrounded by drylands. The destruction wasn’t just an ecological crisis; it also threatened local communities that relied on the forest for water resources. This powerful experience transformed Studer’s mission, expanding her scope from ornithology to protecting the entire forest ecosystem, ensuring that both the wildlife and the people who depend on the forest could survive and thrive.
A Community-Based Approach
Saving Forests through Local Collaboration
Recognizing that she couldn’t save the forest alone, Studer turned her focus to community-based conservation. She knew that involving local communities was crucial for long-term conservation success. While she continued to study birds in the mornings, her afternoons were dedicated to building support among local residents. In 1985, Studer founded the Nordesta Reforestation & Education Association, a nonprofit organization committed to preserving the Atlantic Forest through reforestation and education initiatives.
One of Studer’s early successes was securing the protection of Pedra Talhada by negotiating with local authorities. She struck a deal: if they agreed to protect the forest, Nordesta would help rebuild a local school. This agreement led to the establishment of Pedra Talhada State Park and its eventual designation as a Federal Biological Reserve. Under her leadership, Nordesta launched large-scale reforestation projects, built schools, and established tree nurseries. These efforts reconnected forest fragments and empowered local communities to become the stewards of the forest. Thanks to her work, the forest and its wildlife, including the Anumara forbesi, continue to thrive
A Legacy of Conservation
Ongoing Efforts to Protect Brazil’s Forests
Anita Studer continues to lead reforestation and conservation projects in Brazil, maintaining the same adventurous spirit that first drew her to the country. Her work has had a lasting impact, helping the Pedra Talhada forest and its wildlife, including the Anumara forbesi, to thrive. Today, Studer’s efforts serve as a powerful example of how passion, science, and community action can come together to protect both birds and their habitats.
This website is a window into Anita Studer’s discoveries, field notes, and decades of data collected in the field. Her work demonstrates that protecting birds goes hand in hand with preserving their habitats, and it serves as a powerful example of how passion and action can drive environmental change.
Learn more about Anita Studer’s work nordesta.org.
