Jaguar Defenders: Protecting the Chocó's Last Population

Deep in the Chocó lowlands, the jaguar paces cautiously. Its imposing form glides through the dense undergrowth. As one of the largest predators in the Americas, jaguars maintain balance in the ecosystem. Today, the last healthy population of jaguars in western Ecuador is struggling to survive because of habitat loss and fragmentation. Our Canandé Reserve is one of the jaguar's last refuges in western Ecuador.?? ?

?"The jaguar is a crucial umbrella species in tropical ecosystems, as its presence profoundly impacts the structure and balance of the ecological chain. As an apex predator, it regulates herbivore populations, preventing overpopulation and maintaining a natural balance between predator and prey. This natural control is crucial to the conservation of biodiversity and the health of its ecosystem. The jaguar is a cultural symbol in many communities, representing power and a deep connection to nature. Protecting it is safeguarding a legacy that will benefit the entire region," says Jaime Palacios, Jocotoco's landscape coordinator and a mammalogist.

In the Chocó, little is known about the jaguar's total population or behaviors. At Jocotoco, we are stepping up our monitoring efforts to learn more about jaguars and how to protect them. On the ground, we have installed 46 camera trap stations strategically placed in the Canandé Reserve. The stations are 2 kilometers apart along trails and paths where we have found tracks and signs of jaguars. Each station is equipped with two cameras, for a total of 92 digital eyes, which are triggered by sensors when an animal enters their field of view, capturing images and video of wildlife.?

To attract the jaguars to the cameras, we use bait infused with a pheromone scent. Amazingly, one of the best attractors for jaguars is Calvin Klein 's cologne called Obsession. When a jaguar walks in front of the camera, the photos and videos capture the rosettes on their fur. Each pattern of rosettes is like a unique fingerprint for each jaguar, allowing us to identify individual jaguars. These images connect us to the stories of the jaguars in Canandé, and provide valuable information to help us care for them.

Jhanry Guaya, a young biologist on our team, shares his experience: "For 36 intense days, supported by 16 Canandé park rangers and the hospitality of local families, we trekked up to 16 km daily to install each monitoring station. Despite challenges like low river flows that kept us from using canoes, we completed our mission. This journey tested our endurance and gave me a deeper appreciation for the incredible biodiversity of the Chocó."

We're currently analyzing the data from our network of camera traps, with preliminary results expected in December. These data will help us in estimating jaguar density, understanding their movements, and analyzing their reproductive behavior, key factors in assessing the population's long-term viability. The insights we gain will guide our strategies for ecosystem restoration, conflict mitigation, and effective coexistence between humans and these majestic animals.

We invite you to become a Jaguar Defender and join our mission to protect the last population of this iconic species western Ecuador. You are vital to ensuring a future where the jaguar, a powerful symbol of strength and beauty, can continue to roam freely and safely, leaving its lasting mark on the Chocó lowlands. Donate here.