Help Protect Endangered Jaguars and Pumas on the Yucatan Peninsula
Program Overview
Join our conservation team on the Yucatan peninsula to help save endangered pumas and jaguars. Our project collects critical data to help inform the policies, initiatives and decisions of El Eden Ecological Reserve, a protected area of over 10,000 acres on the northeastern part of the Yucatan.
Jaguars, once common in the region, are quickly disappearing. Deforestation, land partitioning, poaching and illegal trade has made them one of the most endangered species in this part of the world.
You will trek throughout the incredible wetlands, swim in crystal blue waters, and enjoy sunsets from above the canopy in our observation tower… all while living, working and training to help restore the balance of this local ecosystem.
Life on the Program
Work starts early on the project. Most of the time you will be trekking through the forest or wetland area, and recording signs of Jaguar, Puma or Ocelot. At the end of the day, we typically enjoy sunset from the 30-foot high observation tower at our base.
After work, while the team hangs out and gets a chance to relax together, the station chefs will cook up dinner. Accommodations are simple, shared cabanas, some built high enough to offer incredible canopy views.
During your time off you can explore some of the amazing things that are near our base like nearby beaches with the endless clear turquoise water and white sandy beaches. For a little more of an adventure the famous Mayan ruins in Tulum are only 5 hours away!
Program Details
The data collected on this project is focused on increasing knowledge of jaguar and puma behavior to help with conservation polices and management plans being set forth at El Eden Reserve and beyond.
Here are some examples of the work being carried out on this project:
- Installing and using camera traps to record animal behavior
- Tracking Jaguar, Puma and Ocelot
- Constructing bird monitoring transects
- Collecting biodiversity assessment data
Volunteer Testimonials
Program Details
Build Your Program
What's Included
- Pre-departure support and discounted services
- 24-hour emergency phone
- Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
- Arrival orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- All meals (unless otherwise stated in field manuals)
- Welcome meeting
- Location orientation
- All necessary project training by experienced staff
- All necessary project equipment and materials
- 24-hour in-country support
- Working in a private natural reserve
- Training on camera traps and other monitoring techniques
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Medical and travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Personal kit
- Additional drinks and gratuities
- Extra local excursions
- International and domestic airport taxes
- Weekend food and accommodation
