The protection of wetlands and related biodiversity is considered of global importance. The Pantanal is the world’s largest freshwater wetland and in recent years it has become increasingly threatened by large development programmes and changes in land management practices. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is currently supporting a Pantanal Conservation and Research initiative coordinated by wildlife biologist Arnaud Desbiez to provide scientific research to look for, implement and evaluate conservation actions and sustainable management strategies. 
One of the main focuses of the RZSS Pantanal initiative is the development of a rapid method to evaluate and understand resource use of both domestic and wild herbivores. This is particularly urgent since ranching activities in the region are intensifying and destroying important wildlife habitat. RZSS in partnership with EMBRAPA Pantanal (Brazilian government agricultural research corporation in the Pantanal) are collaborating to create this method. They are in the process of completing software based interactive, illustrated key that will identify and characterize the epidermal cells of plant species found in the fecal samples of all plant eating animals. By understanding the botanical composition of plants consumed by both domestic and wild animals, researchers will understand herbivore foraging strategies and their nutritional needs. This information will be used to evaluate the impacts of land management on wildlife as well as to assess and recommend conservation land management strategies that will benefit both cattle and wildlife.
One of the main focuses of the RZSS Pantanal initiative is the development of a rapid method to evaluate and understand resource use of both domestic and wild herbivores. This is particularly urgent since ranching activities in the region are intensifying and destroying important wildlife habitat. RZSS in partnership with EMBRAPA Pantanal (Brazilian government agricultural research corporation in the Pantanal) are collaborating to create this method. They are in the process of completing software based interactive, illustrated key that will identify and characterize the epidermal cells of plant species found in the fecal samples of all plant eating animals. By understanding the botanical composition of plants consumed by both domestic and wild animals, researchers will understand herbivore foraging strategies and their nutritional needs. This information will be used to evaluate the impacts of land management on wildlife as well as to assess and recommend conservation land management strategies that will benefit both cattle and wildlife.
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