Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest © REGUA

Messias Gomes © REGUA

Rhildo da Rosa Oliveira © REGUA

November 21, 2014

Rainforest Trust’s Brazilian partner REGUA protects Brazil’s threatened Atlantic Rainforest, an area even more biodiverse than the Amazon Basin, in its 17,000-acre reserve. The reserve employs a dedicated staff of nine guards who contribute their extensive forest knowledge and skills to protect endangered wildlife. Their hard work and sacrifices have helped make REGUA an exemplary nature reserve .

Many of their guards have family ties to the Atlantic Rainforest that go back generations. These connections provide inspiration to guards in their goal of protecting REGUA’s forests.

Messias Gomes and Rhildo da Rosa Oliveira, two of REGUA’s most respected forest guards, describe their most memorable moments on the job and the events that influenced their decision to become guards.

Messias Gomes
“I was born in Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest on a large farm that was originally owned by my grandfather who had a grinding mill to make cassava flour. He rented the higher parts of the property to sharecroppers that grew bananas. These sharecroppers, however, destroyed much of the forest in their desire to take advantage of the high price of bananas.

“After my grandfather died, all of my uncles sold the land they inherited. Only my father continued to work the land and follow his father’s footsteps. Then when my father died, most of my siblings sold the land bequeathed to them leaving only my brother and myself on the small parcels that remained of our family’s land.

“I farmed the area like my grandfather and father until 2009, when I heard that REGUA was hiring park guards and decided to become one.

“Being a park guard gives me a chance to protect the forest I knew as a child. It is my deepest desire that REGUA will eventually be able to buy much of my grandfather’s old farm and restore and reforest it. The forest I remember was spectacular.

“I know the work we are doing to protect wildlife at REGUA is effective. Sometime ago, while hiking in the reserve, I encountered a band of Woolly Spider Monkeys – the largest primate in the Atlantic Rainforest – and the sight took my breath away. My grandfather talked about seeing them many, many years ago, but I never thought I would have the chance. This species, like many others at REGUA, is making a comeback and I’m thrilled to be able to experience the forest in the same way my grandfather once did.”

Rhildo da Rosa Oliveira
“My grandparents were both sharecroppers on a large, busy farm called Santo Amaro. They grew bananas and eked out a pretty difficult life in the mountains. They were humble people and expected that their children and grandchildren would continue doing the same work. But as banana prices dropped, my family had to move away to look for opportunities elsewhere.

“A love of nature and wildlife runs deep in my family and strongly influenced the decision I made to work with REGUA in 2001 as a forest guard. I was actually the first guard hired at the reserve. I now do many things for REGUA like anti-poaching patrols and research assistance. Primarily, though, I am responsible for maintaining and building the reserve’s trail network.

“I share an interest in nature and the environment with my oldest daughter, who assists researchers in REGUA with Red-Billed Curassow studies.

“One of my most memorable moments as a guard occurred when I was walking alone along a 4×4 path in the forest. I encountered a large female puma and expected my presence would drive her away. Then I heard the whine of a pup nearby and realized that I was in a tough spot. The mother began growling and pacing back and forth. I slowly backed down the trail, keeping a close watch on her as I went. Luckily, she decided to stay with her cub and I made it out without a scratch.”

Learn more about how you can help Rhildo and Messias protect the Atlantic Rainforest by visiting Rainforest Trust’s REGUA project page.