Roar for Yucatan: Jaguar Conservation Project

We are thrilled to announce the beginning of a new sampling season! Thanks to the support of our partners, we are expanding our sampling area. This season presents the challenge of operating on a larger scale, spanning the tropical dry forest and agricultural frontier, to assess jaguar movement and identify high-risk regions for both jaguars and their main prey.

Additionally, our greatest challenge lies ahead as we select and establish monitoring stations across a 100 km² area during the dry season. According to the National Meteorological Service, 35% of the Yucatan Peninsula's surface will experience abnormal dryness, with approximately 44% facing moderate drought. As the fire season begins, we stand ready to assess whether wildlife will require water assistance.

Furthermore, we will collaborate closely with local communities to strengthen wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts in priority areas. We will also engage with locals at the Environmental Fair, an event where we interact with families and provide information about the species residing in the region and the environmental services they provide. These activities play a crucial role in raising environmental awareness and encouraging more locals to incorporate conservation practices into their lifestyles.

Jaguar conservation holds paramount significance in the Yucatan Peninsula, where these majestic felids play a pivotal role in maintaining the ecological balance. Over the last two decades, the challenges confronting jaguars have been formidable and hard to resolve. The fragmentation of their habitats due to human activities poses a significant threat, leading to increased vulnerability. Human-jaguar conflicts also escalate as these magnificent creatures encroach upon populated areas due to the conflicts caused by livestock predation. This is a natural response of a top predator that has reduced their prey availability due to habitat loss, and sadly, jaguars always loose. Conservation efforts over the past 20 years have been vital in safeguarding their population, focusing on habitat protection, fostering coexistence with local communities, and understanding population dynamics. Despite the conservation progress, the journey is ongoing, demanding resources and sustained commitment to ensure the survival of this iconic species and the preservation of the Peninsula's rich biodiversity.

Over the past year, we have gathered a wealth of intriguing data, ranging from a record-high richness of fauna to a diverse array of jaguar behaviors and other jungle-dwelling animals. Our observations encompassed numerous instances of mother jaguars with their cubs, majestic jaguars marking territories with their distinctive scent, stealthy pumas in stalking mode, monkeys descending from the trees to quench their thirst, and eagles gracefully walking in the jungle (yeah, like chikens!). Remarkably, we even documented new sightings of animals previously unseen in the Zapotal reserve, adding valuable layers to our understanding of this biodiverse ecosystem. Every recorded instance is a testament to the delicate balance that sustains this ecosystem, a reminder that our consergvation efforts must continue. 

This new year we are greatful to have new projects and big challenges. Embarking on a groundbreaking project at the intersection of jaguar conservation and human coexistence, our initiative seeks to redefine the balance between these magnificent cats and local communities. By implementing innovative strategies, like the creation of wildlife corridors and community-based training programs, we aim to mitigate conflicts and foster harmonious cohabitation. Yet, the success of these initiatives relies heavily on your support. Donations play a pivotal role in maintaining and expanding these conservation projects, ensuring the long-term survival of jaguars and fostering peaceful coexistence. Your involvement is not just a contribution; it's an investment in a future where humans and jaguars share a sustainable and thriving ecosystem. Join us in this vital cause, and together, let's create a world where majestic jaguars roam freely, and communities thrive alongside these awe-inspiring creatures. Your donation today can shape a more harmonious tomorrow.