Harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja)

Harpy eagle is a threatened species, classified as vulnerable (VU) by the Official List of Brazilian Fauna Species Threatened with Extinction (MMA) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This classification indicates that Harpia harpyja faces a high risk of extinction in the wild due to several factors, such as a recent sharp population decline and the limited number of individuals in its current populations. Genetic studies play a crucial role in conservation efforts of species threatened with extinction, once they provide valuable information on the genetic diversity, population structure and genetic health of such species.  

In 2022, as part of the AmazOOmics project from Vale Institute of Technology, comprehensive genetic studies were conducted on the Harpy eagle. During these investigations, the Harpy Eagle’s reference genome was sequenced and assembled, representing a significant milestone. A reference genome contains the complete and near error-free sequence and genes of the DNA of an organism. In this case, the reference genome of the Harpy eagle provided a solid foundation for comparing genomic sequences among individuals from three different populations: Atlantic Forest (n=9), Northern Amazon (n=5) and South Amazon (n=35). The population genomics study has revealed that populations from Southern Amazon and Atlantic Forest regions are more similar to each other than with respect to the Northern Amazon population. This knowledge is essential, once it allows the monitoring of the genetic exchange level among populations and helps to identify potential natural barriers or human-induced factors that may restrict gene flow. Therefore, based on this genetic knowledge, specific conservation measures may be implemented to facilitate or restore the gene flow among populations, contributing to the successful preservation of the Harpy eagle and safeguarding this vulnerable species from extinction. 

Jaguar (Panthera onca)

The jaguar, the largest cat species in the Americas, is native to Brazil. However, its distribution extends across several countries, from the southwestern United States to Argentina, passing through Mexico and the Amazon region. Currently, this species is classified as Near-threatened (NT) by the IUCN, and as Vulnerable (VU) by the Official List of Brazilian Fauna Species Threatened with Extinction (MMA). 

In 2023, the GBB project initiated studies related to the generation of the jaguar’s reference genome. This reference genome will be essential for future population genetic research, enabling the assessment of genetic diversity and genetic health of target populations. It will provide essential guidelines for management and conservation strategies. 

To produce this reference genome, blood samples were collected from an individual originating in southwestern Pará state. These samples were run in a high-quality DNA sequencing plataform. The next research steps involve the assembly of the species’ genome using advanced bioinformatic tools, thus consolidating a valuable source of genetic information which will boost the efforts related to the preservation and research of jaguars. 

Jaborandi (Pilocarpus sp.)

Jaborandi comprises a group of species native to Brazil and Surinam, with some species of the genus currently classified as threatened with extinction (vulnerable or endangered) according to the Official List of Brazilian Flora Species Threatened with Extinction (MMA) and to IUCN. Its relevance to the bioeconomy is remarkable since it is the only natural source of pilocarpine, a compound used in the treatment of eye diseases, such as glaucoma. In addition to this, the management of jaborandi has a significant social impact, with local communities harvesting its leaves and establishing commercial partnerships with pharmaceutical companies for the extraction of pilocarpine. The ongoing genetic research in the GBB project aims to sequence the whole genome of this species, which may support the identification of key genes, optimize the extraction of pilocarpine, and select high-yield populations. This effort plays an important role in the Bioeconomics of the Amazon and in the pharmaceutical industry, with the potential to expand access to high-quality and effective medications.