Augusto Ruschi

Augusto Ruschi (1915 to 1986) was a Brazilian agronomist, ecologist and naturalist, a respected specialist in hummingbirds and orchids. He was a full professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and a researcher at the National Museum, though current experts have challenged his technical and scientific production. He helped fight pests in agriculture, helped establish ecological reserves such as the Caparaó National Park, and set up the Professor Mello Leitão Biology Museum and the Ruschi Marine Biology Station. A controversial and active defender of the environment, he clashed with companies and authorities, including the governor of Espírito Santo in 1977 over a palm heart factory, and anticipated the harm of monocultural eucalyptus plantations and of pesticide use. In 1994 federal law named him Patron of Ecology in Brazil.