Ibitipoca/MG Muriqui Population Reinforcement Project
Join us on this vital journey to save the last individuals of a population on the brink of extinction.
Project Team
About the Ibitipoca Population Reinforcement Project
The Ibitipoca Population Reinforcement Project in Lima Duarte/MG, an initiative of MIB and Ibiti Projeto, is a beacon of hope for saving a population of northern muriquis on the brink of extinction. In Ibitipoca, solitary and migrating females are carefully rescued and relocated to reinvigorate this population and form new groups, boosting the species' reproduction.
The Muriqui’s House Sanctuary
The provisioned management area, known as Muriqui’s House, covers about 6 hectares, including 3 hectares of native forest and 3 hectares under regeneration with native plant species from the muriquis' diet. This habitat is protected by a high-tech fence designed to keep the muriquis inside and predators out, ensuring a safe environment for their recovery and reproduction.
The Path to Freedom: Quarantine and Adaptation
Every muriqui that arrives at the project goes through a rigorous period of quarantine and adaptation inside the enclosure. This process is crucial for monitoring the animals' health, helping them become familiar with their new environment and preparing them for release into the protected native forest of Muriqui’s House.
The Pioneers of Ibitipoca: Bertolino and Luna
The Beginning (2019)
In 2019, the last two remaining males of the original Ibitipoca population, Bertolino and Luna, were captured and relocated. They represented the region's last genetic hope.
New Arrivals
Two adult females, Ecológica and Socorro, who were living in isolation in Simonésia, Minas Gerais, were brought in to join Bertolino and Luna, forming a new, cohesive group.
Freedom in the Habitat
After adaptation, the group formed by Bertolino, Luna, Ecológica and Socorro was released into the extensive area of native forest inside Muriqui’s House, where they established their new home.
The Birth of a New Hope: Eliot
An exciting milestone: on November 3, 2020, Ecológica gave birth to the first northern muriqui infant born in the Ibitipoca Population Reinforcement Project. The little one was lovingly named Eliot, a symbol of the species' renewal and of the success of conservation efforts.
The Arrival of New Females
Also in November 2020, another female, Nena, about 6 years old, was rescued from an urbanized area near Parque Nacional do Caparaó. In October 2024, another young female, Cora, was translocated from Peçanha/MG. The arrival of these females strengthened the group, increasing the genetic diversity and the chances of reproductive success of the new muriqui population in Ibitipoca.
Why Conserve Muriquis?
Guardians of the Forest
Muriquis need large expanses of forest to survive. Protecting muriquis means protecting vast areas of the Atlantic Forest, ensuring the health of the ecosystem.
Biodiversity and Water
By conserving forests for muriquis, we protect countless other species of animals and plants. Forests are also vital for maintaining water resources, which are essential for life.
Quality of Life
Protecting muriquis and their habitats directly improves the quality of life of people and other animals, ensuring a balanced and healthy environment for all.
Join Our Mission!
Your participation is essential to the success of the Ibitipoca Population Reinforcement Project. Become a volunteer, make a donation or simply share our story. Every action helps secure a future for muriquis and for the rich biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest.
For more information, contact us or follow us on social media. Muriqui conservation is a collective effort!