Ecotourism
Ecotourism in Hato Piñero is organized in groups of conservationists and nature-loving enthusiasts.
In keeping with these priorities, the Branger Family formed a preservation foundation which counts nowadays with an extension of land where these three important factors meet:
- A large area destined for the Biological Station devoted to scientific research purposes, such as:
- Ecological studies and preservation of flora, fauna and habitats;
- Behavioral studies of some species whose biology is scarcely known;
- Recovery of species in danger of extinction, including felines like the jaguar or "American tiger" (Panthera onca), the puma or "American lion" (Felis concolor) and the ocelot (Felis pardalis), whose population, as that of the yellow-knobbed curassows (Crax daubentoni), among the cracidae, has increased considerably in Hato Piñero over the last few years. Currently, we are working to achieve the same results with the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), the tapir (Tapirus terrestris) and the Orinoco crocodile (Crocodilus intermedius);
- Elaboration of an inventory and a reference collection of the flora (Herbarium) and the fauna existing in Hato Piñero;
- Studies on autochthonous gramineous and leguminous plants;
- Protection and/or improvements of the wetlands;
- Research on the importance of fire and its control in the savannas;
- Studies on the spreading of fruit trees in the region, in order to increase fauna as well as forest areas that are attractive and provide shelter to animals.
- A private property where the owners have maintained conservationist measures with admirable determination, thus creating a beautiful, varied and abundant wildlife.
- An accessible place where scientist as well as nature lovers can travel from Caracas and other places by paved roads (Hato Piñero is located close to the national road which connects El Baul with the highway to Caracas) or by plane, since the ranch has its own landing strip.
Since 1982, a number of ecological studies have been developed with species such as the "baba" (Spectacled cayman), the capybara, the jaguar, the capuchin monkey (Cebus nigrivittatus), and two species of peccaries (Tayassu tajacu and Tayasu pecari), among others. This research has been supported by national institutions such as the Universidad Central de Venezuela, the Fundacion La Salle, the Fundacion Phelps, and the Sociedad Conservacionista Audubon de Venezuela; and international institutions such as The Nature Conservancy, The World Wildlife Fund of the United States of America, The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, and numerous American and European Universities.
Much has been accomplished in Hato Piñero, and yet, much of what makes this private ranch the special place it is still needs to be studied, understood and preserved. We welcome representatives from private and public organizations within the scientific community to assist us in this endeavour and apply for institutional support.
