Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja)

The Harpy Eagle is a threatened species, classified as Vulnerable (VU) by both the Official List of Brazilian Fauna Species Threatened with Extinction (MMA) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating that it faces a high risk of extinction in the wild due to several factors, including a significant recent population decline and the limited number of individuals in its current populations. In efforts to conserve endangered species, genetic studies play a crucial role, as they provide valuable insights into the genetic diversity, population structure, and genetic health of these species.

In 2022, as part of the AmaZOOmics project by the Vale Institute of Tecnology (ITV), comprehensive genetic studies on the Harpy Eagle were conducted. During these investigations, the Harpy Eagle’s reference genome was sequenced and assembled, marking a significant milestone. A reference genome is a complete and meticulously characterized sequencing of an organism’s DNA, and in this case, the Harpy Eagle’s reference genome provided a solid foundation for comparing the genomic sequences of individuals from three different populations: Atlantic Forest (n=9), Northern Amazon (n=5), and Southern Amazon (n=35). The population genomic study revealed that the Southern Amazon and Atlantic Forest populations exhibit greater interaction and genetic flow with each other than with the Northern Amazon population. This knowledge is vital as it allows for monitoring the level of genetic exchange between populations and helps identify potential natural barriers or human-caused factors that may be restricting this gene flow. Thus, based on this genetic information, specific conservation measures can be implemented to facilitate or restore gene flow between populations, contributing to the successful preservation of the Harpy Eagle and the protection of this vulnerable species from extinction.

Jaguar (Panthera onca)

The jaguar, the largest feline in the Americas, is a species native to Brazil, but its range extends across several countries, from the southwestern United States to Argentina, including Mexico and the Amazon. 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, studies were initiated under the GBB project dedicated to generating the jaguar’s reference genome. This reference genome will be crucial for future population genetics research. It will allow for the assessment of the genetic diversity and genetic health of target populations, providing essential guidelines for management and conservation strategies.

To produce this reference genome, blood samples were collected from an individual located in the southwestern region of Pará state. These samples underwent high-quality DNA sequencing. The next steps in the research involve assembling the species’ genome using advanced bioinformatics tools, thereby consolidating a valuable source of genetic information that will drive conservation and research efforts related to the jaguar.

Jaborandi (Pilocarpus sp.)

Jaborandi encompasses a group of species native to Brazil and Suriname, with some species of the genus currently classified as threatened with extinction (Vulnerable or Critically Endangered) by both the Official List of Brazilian Flora Species Threatened with Extinction (MMA) and the IUCN. Its significance in the bioeconomy is notable, as it is the only natural source of pilocarpine, a compound used in the treatment of eye diseases such as glaucoma. Additionally, 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 genetic research currently underway in the GBB project aims to sequence the complete genome of this species, which may aid in identifying key genes, optimizing pilocarpine extraction, and selecting high-yield populations. This effort plays a crucial role in the Amazon’s bioeconomy and the pharmaceutical industry, with the potential to expand access to high-quality, effective medications.