Vitor Zanelatto
Vitor Lauro Zanelatto is a young Brazilian socio-environmentalist from Atalanta, Santa Catarina. From an early age, he stood out for his engagement in environmental preservation and ecological restoration initiatives. At the age of 17, he was recognized as a Young Changemaker by Ashoka, an international organization that identifies social change agents. He was selected through the "Planting the Future" group, which mobilized students and local farmers to restore degraded areas of the Atlantic Forest and promote sustainable practices.
Currently, Vitor is pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) and is part of the institution's Laboratory of Human Ecology and Ethnobotany, where he researches ecological restoration in Indigenous lands. Additionally, he works with third-sector organizations, contributing to projects focused on environmental conservation and ecosystem recovery.
His journey includes participation in environmental events and campaigns that align conservation with sustainable development. Vitor aims to identify and promote practices and public policies that benefit both biodiversity and community development, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a balance between environmental preservation and social progress.
| LOCATION: | Puerto Madryn | AREA OF STUDY: | Owls |
| NATIONALITY: | Brazil | SPONSOR: | CENPAT-CONICET |
| FILMMAKER: | Rhodri Hall and |
| START DATE: | 13th December |
| END DATE: | 20th December |
| LOCATION: | Puerto Madryn |
| END POINT: | Brazil |
| AREA OF STUDY: | Owls |
| SPONSOR: | CENPAT-CONICET |
| FILMMAKER: | Rhodri Hall and |
Area of Study: Owls
In this project assignment, Vitor Lauro Zanelatto investigates the role of owls in agroecosystems and their impact on biodiversity conservation in Puerto Madryn, Argentina. As top predators, owls help control both native and invasive species, particularly rodents—one owl family can consume approximately 3,466 rodents annually.
In Patagonian coastal ecosystems, owls coexist with diverse wildlife, including sea lions, birds, and crabs, while also sharing space with human activities. This coexistence highlights both the resilience and vulnerability of these species in disturbed environments.
Working with Dr. Anahi Formoso from IPEEC-CONICET, Vitor explores the ecological significance of owls. His observations help him understand local owl species, analyze their habitat conditions, and assess their role in maintaining ecological balance in human-modified landscapes. Fieldwork was conducted in Puerto Madryn and Trelew, involving species observation and pellet analysis at IPEEC-CONICET’s terrestrial mammal lab.
By studying owls’ ecological niches and the challenges they face in anthropized environments, this research provides valuable insights into conservation strategies. The study aims to enhance biodiversity conservation by understanding how owls contribute to ecosystem stability and the overall health of agroecosystems.
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This Project Was Made Possible By: CENPAT-CONICET
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