The Scientist Who "Reads" the Forest: Dr. Thiago Silva-Soares
- Leonardo Merçon
- Apr 2
- 5 min read
Much of my work is thanks to my researcher friends dedicated to nature conservation. I know my images are valuable to their efforts, but the inspiration they give me is priceless.
That’s why I dedicate this series, GIVING VOICE TO NATURE, to those who shape their lives around conservation!
In the Atlantic Forest, some researchers walk as if they are part of it. I like to compare the forest to a library. If you enter one without knowing how to read, what importance do the books hold for you?
Nature is similar—researchers like Thiago Silva-Soares fight to protect biodiversity because they understand it deeply.
Some people connect with nature through listening, patience, and respect. Thiago seems to have been born between the roots and canopies, with his feet in the earth and eyes keenly observing everything moving among the leaves, in the sounds and silences of the forest.
A Friendship Born in Nature
I met Thiago over ten years ago at a biology symposium in Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo, back when the National Institute of the Atlantic Forest was still a dream. We were both volunteers at one of the first SIMBIOMA events, hosted at the Mello Leitão Museum.
We were younger, passionate about everything. Even then, I could see that this friendly, curious guy was different. His passion for his field—reptiles and amphibians—was immense, and his dedication to science was impressive.
At the time, I wasn’t particularly fond of creatures that slithered or hopped on the forest floor. But watching Thiago’s eyes light up when he spoke about them changed my perspective. His enthusiasm was contagious.
Now, I catch myself admiring frogs and snakes, knowing he played a significant role in my appreciation of them.
A Journey of Science and Friendship
Since then, our friendship has only grown. I’ve witnessed the creation of many of his projects—sometimes as a photographer, other times assisting with communication or simply brainstorming ideas.
Thiago has a rare ability to balance casual conversation with deep scientific thought. It’s no surprise he is now one of the most respected names in herpetology in Espírito Santo—and beyond.
Each project he leads has a distinct identity, merging scientific research, education, and conservation.
The Herpetofauna of Espírito Santo
Founded in 2017, the Herpeto Capixaba Project aims to study, document, and raise awareness about the amphibians and reptiles of Espírito Santo.
Thiago and his team, made up of experts from across Brazil, have mapped, studied, and shared knowledge about tree frogs, toads, snakes, and lizards in the region.
This work is grounded in rigorous science, with books and research papers to back it up.
But it also fosters public engagement through workshops, expeditions, and impactful discoveries—many within protected areas like Vale Natural Reserve and Sooretama Biological Reserve.
One of Thiago’s boldest projects focuses on Lachesis rhombeata, the Atlantic Forest bushmaster, through the Surucucu Project.
This snake isn’t part of the so-called "charismatic megafauna," but it deserves just as much attention. The project search to rediscover the species in Espírito Santo, where it hasn’t been seen for over 15 years. Once found, the next challenge will be studying its behavior and ecology while breaking negative stereotypes surrounding it.
Another fascinating initiative is the Pingo-de-Ouro Project, dedicated to one of the Atlantic Forest’s most charismatic amphibians, the golden rocket frog (Adelphobates aff. flavopictus).
This tiny, golden frog symbolizes both delicacy and urgency—slow, fragile, and critically endangered.
The project combines science, outreach, and conservation, reminding us that even the smallest creatures play vital ecological roles.
The Biotrips
Biotrips offers immersive expeditions into biodiversity hotspots, blending scientific research, conservation, and ecotourism.
Participants engage in wildlife observation, field research, and conservation initiatives while disconnecting from urban life and reconnecting with nature.
I had the privilege of joining both the pilot expedition (just Thiago and me, testing the idea) and the first official trip to the Amazon Rainforest.
Even as someone accustomed to the wild, I was amazed at how each experience was designed to foster a profound connection with the environment.
Every sight, sound, and creature carried an extraordinary story waiting to be unveiled.
Adventurers from Biotrips Amazon venture into caves and discover one of the world's smallest lizards. | Photo: Leonardo Merçon/Instituto Últimos Refúgios
Partnership with Últimos Refúgios
It was a joy to welcome Thiago and his projects to the Últimos Refúgios Institute.
We were already partners in conservation, but now this collaboration is even stronger. Thiago brings his scientific expertise, while the Institute provides institutional support, helping amplify his initiatives and fostering dialogue with other organizations.
May this partnership be long-lasting and fruitful, generating meaningful conservation results.
A Legacy in the Making
Thiago’s work isn’t just about creatures that crawl, croak, or slither. It’s about doing science with passion, educating future generations, and turning curiosity into knowledge—and knowledge into action.
He inspires effortlessly. Just watching his genuine enthusiasm—the same I first saw at SIMBIOMA—is enough to remind us that nature still has devoted allies.
It’s an honor to call him a friend and partner in this journey.
Thiago proves that science can be enchanting, accessible, and transformative.
And I’m grateful that our paths crossed that day in Santa Teresa.
The world became bigger, more colorful—and, why not, more croaking and hissing.
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Nature photographer and cinematographer, founder of Instituto Últimos Refúgios, Master in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development, passionate about the environment! Join me on this incredible journey of wildlife discoveries and see more beautiful stories as I constantly explore nature.
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