Fragmentation and loss of natural habitat, triggered by humans, are two of the main reasons that the jaguar is an endangered species. These factors give rise to direct, interrelated threats, such as deforestation, lack of natural prey and retaliation hunting. The lack of ecological and landscape connectivity caused by these threats creates islands of vegetation where it is complicated for the jaguar and other species to migrate and move between territories, limiting the genetic exchange and diversity.
In the Biosphere Reserve, Marismas Nacionales, the landscape that once connected the area with other natural areas has been fragmented and its habitat lost. The efforts made in the reserve for jaguar conservation have been focusing on identifying possible wildlife corridors to promote ecological connectivity in the landscape. The applied research focuses on identifying and analyzing possible connectivity corridors with the reserve by learning where the jaguars are moving. This allow us to focus the strategies and efforts on implementing conservation, protection and reforestation actions in collaboration with local communities.
You will collaborate with area managers and species experts to direct efforts and produce spatial analyses of the territory to identify possible jaguar corridors. Additionally, you will support the monitoring efforts through camera trapping and telemetry. You will participate in the awareness campaign work within the local communities to guide the locals on the ecosystem benefits of implementing Voluntarily Dedicated Conservation Areas Schemes as a tool for jaguar conservation.
The constant land use change and deforestation in the territory has caused fragmentation and loss of habitat, preventing various species from moving easily in the territory and thus inhibiting genetic exchange. The territories without natural vegetation experience soil degradation and, as a result, the species once present are disappearing.
Due to the land use change, the jaguars now move through territories occupied by people resulting in jaguar-human encounters. Fragmentation creates forest patches and diminishes the number of prey for the jaguar which pushes the jaguar to hunt livestock for food. For the local community, this represents a threat and they often hunt the jaguar for retaliation.
The promotion of wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity is essential for the preservation of species such as the jaguar and its preys. In this sense, the identification of the corridors and their characterization is essential to make management decisions and implement appropriate conservation strategies. In the same way we seek to raise awareness and work with the community for the implementation of Voluntarily Dedicated Conservation Areas.
Habitat connectivity allows wildlife corridors to exist. Without this connectivity the genetic flow is limited, the species diversity is reduced, and there is species displacement in the territory. A spatial analysis of the territory allows the mapping of possible areas where the jaguar moves, making it a potential territory for a corridor.
The information produced is important for the decision-making process to determine the conservation and management activities that can be implemented in the identified territories. We aim to ensure that, even if the habitat is fragmented, we restore the ecological connectivity of the landscape. It is in these corridors where the implementation of conservation schemes, such as Voluntary Dedicated Conservation Areas, is key to continued habitat preservation.
In the territories identified with agricultural or livestock activities where the jaguar and other species continue to move, we need to work with the landowners to implement environmentally friendly productive practices. It is important to work with local communities in the corridors so the actions we implement today continue to have a long-term impact. We want to raise awareness about the benefits of environmental stewardship on their productive practices and on the preservation of biodiversity.
Upon arrival, you will get to know the team and will receive orientation and training for the field work and the action research activities.
You will get involved with the area managers and jaguar experts to identify potential corridors that connect the reserve with other areas. Making use of spatial analysis of the territory, you will identify potential connectivity corridors and validate them on the ground making use off camera trapping and telemetry for monitoring the presence of the jaguar and other associated species.
You will be in the field in coastal and jungle communities, working with the locals to implement Voluntarily Dedicated Conservation Areas and raising awareness about the relevance of nature conservation and the ecosystem. You will also support community monitoring efforts in collaboration with the various stakeholders.
At the end of the day, you will return to Santiago Ixcuintla, a beautiful tropical town surrounded by the river and green tropical vegetation.
NOTE: Field conditions and research needs can lead to changes in the itinerary and activities. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
Departure from Protected Area
The collaboration takes place in the Biosphere Reserve and RAMSAR site, Marismas Nacionales, a wetland of international importance and a shelter for hundreds of local and migratory birds. Here, the overlap of marine water and fresh water gives shape to beautiful mangroves and coastal lagoons with high biodiversity and very productive.
Broad experience collaborating with local communities for the implementation of connectivity corridors and jaguar conservation.
He has long experience working for the National Commission of Protected Areas. His expertise is in marine and terrestrial resources management.
You will stay in a local hotel/apartment in one of the villages where the park headquarters are located.
During the fieldwork, if required to stay overnight, you will stay in a local hotel. Typically, we return the same day.
Fly to Puerto Vallarta (PVR)
