In Guatemala's Hawaii Multiple Use Area, 4,000-5,000 free-ranging dogs and cats threaten sea turtle hatchlings, iguanas, and other wildlife through predation and infectious diseases. This project addresses these threats through sterilization, rabies vaccination, and community education across six coastal communities. By managing domestic animal populations and disease, this One Health approach protects vulnerable coastal biodiversity while improving public health and animal welfare.
The Hawaii Multiple Use Area (AUMH) is a vital sanctuary for sea turtles, iguanas, crocodilians, shorebirds, and native mammals. Yet free-ranging dogs and cats threaten this coastal ecosystem by preying on eggs, hatchlings, juvenile iguanas, and nesting birds; competing with native species; and transmitting distemper, parvovirus, and rabies. Controlling their populations and disease transmission is therefore essential to biodiversity recovery, wildlife protection, and protected-area conservation
ARCAS applies a One Health approach, linking animal, human, and ecosystem health to reduce the threats free-ranging dogs and cats pose to sea turtles & other coastal wildlife. Over 12 months, we'll vaccinate 1,200 dogs and cats, 240 sterilizations, provide 720 veterinary consultations, and deliver mobile clinics and responsible pet ownership education in six coastal communities. The project will also strengthen ARCAS's veterinary capacity with essential medical equipment and academic partnership
Each sterilization prevents future litters of free-ranging animals, protecting marine and coastal wildlife. Vaccinating over 1,200 domestic animals against rabies and key infectious diseases creates a barrier against pathogen spillover into native fauna while safeguarding public health in 6 coastal villages. Built on ARCAS's permanent clinical infrastructure and university partnerships, this cost-effective, scalable model can support protected-area management across Central America.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
