Brasilia, Sep 10 (EFE) The Brazilian government will use 'electronic markers' to detect illegal felling of trees in the Amazon forests via satellite as illegal encroachment has threatened the sensitive ecosystem.

Officials said the protected Amazon forests are being cleared illegally to set up ranches. The satellite will help monitor cattle herds and ranchers who illegally cut trees, Agriculture Minister Reinhold Stephanes said.

Ranchers will be required to place 'electronic markers' along the boundaries of their properties that will be monitored via satellite, allowing officials to monitor the movement of herds and verify the status of nearby forests every six months.

The markers will allow officials to track the movement of herds in 'real time', Stephanes said.