The jacutinga, regarded as one of the most significant birds in the Atlantic Forest, is the focus of a conservation effort aimed at reintroducing the species to regions of Brazil where it has not been seen for decades. Specifically, the bird has been declared extinct in Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, and southern Bahia. This project, led by the Professor Mello Leitão Biology Museum in Santa Teresa, is gaining momentum in 2023, having started with the introduction of six jacutinga individuals provided by conservation breeders.

Since the project's inception, the population of jacutingas has grown to 26 through successful captive breeding efforts that exceeded initial expectations. Biologist Flávia Guimarães noted the critical nature of this initiative as the bird is no longer found in its historical ranges across Espírito Santo, southern Bahia, or Rio de Janeiro. With these individuals, the plan is to enable reproduction so that, in the future, they can be reintroduced into their native habitats where they once thrived.

The conservation of the jacutinga is not just about restoring a species but also about reviving the biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest, a region that has suffered significant environmental losses. The project underscores the importance of conservation work and the need for continuous efforts to protect and rehabilitate endangered species, which can also serve as a bellwether for the health of wider ecosystems within the Atlantic Forest biome.