Fauna


Icthyofauna
 

FURNAS takes steps to maintain icthyofauna biodiversity in regions where the company manages hydroelectric generation projects. As part of these efforts, FURNAS invests in monitoring and restocking programs for reservoirs with native fish. The structure of the fish community is studied before and after construction of hydroelectric dams, monitoring changes and analyzing the biology and ecology of any species of ecological and economic interest.


Specific studies:

  1. Analysis of icthyoplankton (fish eggs and larvae)
  2. Fish biotelemetry
  3. Genetic analysis of migratory fish populations
  4. Fishery monitoring (socioeconomic characterization of fishermen and fishing activity in assessed regions)
  5. Efficiency analysis of the Fish Transposition System (STP) at the Anta Hydroelectric Power Plant (RJ/MG)

These studies allow us to propose measures for maintaining icthyofauna and the fishing resource diversity in the area under the influence of the facilities. FURNAS uses scientific data obtained in the medium and long term as a basis for its initiatives.

FURNAS maintains a Fish Farming Station at HEU FURNAS (MG), where it produces seven species of native fish from the Upper Paraná basin in a pond covering 33,000 m². In 2016, 26,155 fingerlings were produced, the majority coming from Piracema.


Wild fauna
 

FURNAS carries out studies to improve knowledge of wildlife at hydroelectric plants or around transmission lines, in accordance with Brazilian Environmental Legislation. These studies are used to obtain more specific knowledge of the fauna around company structures and facilities.

Domestic and international research institutions participate in these studies. Researchers use the data to prepare master's and doctoral theses, consequently improving our understanding of Brazilian fauna.

FURNAS has acquired vast experience in fauna rescue operations during formation of the Corumbá and Serra da Mesa Hydroelectric Power Plants reservoirs, in Goiás, and in the Multiple Use Plant located in Manso, Mato Grosso, in the 1990s and 2000s. The company most recently carried out rescue operations at the Simplício (MG/RJ) and Batalha (MG/GO) Hydroelectric Power Plants.

The construction of hydroelectric dams and transmission lines requires initiatives to manage animal populations, in order to minimize landscape interference. These actions can also contribute towards increasing the scientific knowledge f several species.


Stages of Fauna Studies

FURNAS analyzes its sites at different times.

  • First Stage: Fauna inventory.
  • Second stage: Management and rescue of wild fauna during project implementation and reservoir filling.
  • Third stage: Fauna monitoring, which provides evidence of how animals in the region have been reacting.

Previous work has provided an excellent opportunity for research into the effects of fragmentation and the insular habitats on wildlife populations. We have also been able to evaluate the ability of some animals transferred from their original habitats to adapt and remain in the release area.

The main objective of the Fauna Guides is to contribute towards technical-scientific information generated from studies FURNAS has carried out around its facilities, in addition to making the reader aware of the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting natural resources. The Guides were prepared by the company's Environmental Engineering Department and contain important information on the main biological and ecological characteristics of each registered species.
 

Get to know some of the species found around our facilities (Text in Portuguese)