Soybean farms, cattle ranches, and illegal logging are the main sources for the increase in deforestation. If you’ve been paying attention to my blog then you already know this. However, recently it has been decided that 180 families be relocated north of the capital city of the Amazon. This relocation would put these families into the longest running forest fragmentation study area of the region. This human population will most likely increase deforestation and hunting in the area. Six species of monkeys will feel these effects more than anyone. It has been documented that many of these animals do not fair well in fragmented or deforested areas. Hopefully the Brazilian government will find an alternative area to relocate these people in order to keep these animals in a safe environment.  http://news.mongabay.com/2008/0303-tcs_boyle.html

In other recent news, deforestation has been driven up by the largest soybean farm in the world. Owned by Erai Maggi, this land stretches over 494,000 acres. This plantation is helping the poverty stricken areas around the land but is also negatively effecting the deforestation in thea area because it keeps growing in size. When he purchases more land, cattle ranchers must go further north and continue their slash and burn methods for sustaining their cattle. The decision i leave to you, Erai Maggi, friend or foe??? http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/mar/03/environment.brazil