Overview
Jaguar and Puma conservation program in Mexico

Volunteers will join local biologists researching Jaguar, Puma and other cats and their prey at the privately owned research of El Eden on the northern Yucatan Peninsula. At the research center you will assist with camera trapping, habitat mapping and prey species research, and assist in the conservation of these species and their ecosystems. Jaguars are the largest cat in the Americas, and the 3rd largest in the world, but deforestation, land partitioning, poaching and illegal trade has converted this species in one of the most threatened of the region. If volunteers are present at the right time, they may be able to observe the team trap and mark Jaguar and Puma. This is an amazing and unique opportunity to help out on a critically important conservation program in Mexico.

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The colours, sounds, and wildlife of the savannah and forest are incredible. With birds abound, crocodiles, jaguars and countless other species, I thoroughly enjoyed my time and the different research techniques, such as the camera traps that have already recorded hours of candid camera time of unsuspecting wildlife.

Moniqe Mancilla, GVI Staff

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Jaguars, once common in the region, are quickly disappearing from the Yucatan Peninsula. Deforestation, land partitioning, poaching and illegal trade has converted this species in one of the most threatened of this part of the world. The Reserva Ecologica El Eden was established in 1993 with the objective of conserving key ecosystems for the conservation of Jaguar and Puma. This reserve would have been developed without the reserve, due to its proximity to Cancun. The work carried out during your stay will help increase our knowledge on Jaguar and Puma and their eco-systems and allow for management plans to be developed and implemented within this reserve and in other areas.

Highlights

Participate in placing and checking camera traps for cats (Jaguar, Pumas and Ocelots) & potential prey; Wildlife tracking; learning how to identify Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot, Deer, and Pecari faeces; Hike through wetlands and forests; trek to unspoiled cenotes (sink hole) for a swim; observe crocodiles and learn their behaviour patterns; Enjoy magnificent sunrise and sunsets above the forest canopy from our 16 foot high cabanas and 30 foot high observation tower; live and learn in one of the most pristine forests of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Location

El Eden Ecological Reserve, a privately owned protected area, located in the North Eastern portion of the Yucatan Peninsula to the North of the town of Leona Vicario, and to the West of the tourist development of Cancun, in the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico. El Eden protects over 3,000 hectares of tropical forest, wetlands, savannahs and tintales and is immersed in the Yalahau Bioregion which embraces more than 200,000 hectares (720,000 acres) of continuous forests and wetlands.

Field Conditions

"La Savanna" field research station is nestled within the tropical forest. The accomodation is in basic, comfortable cabanas, some of them at 16 feet high, from where you can observe the forest canopy and amazing sunsets and sunrises. The cabanas have toilets and showers. The station has renewable energy (solar) with the use of a generator as a back up. Food is basic but varied, cooked by the station chefs. La Savanna station has 7 miles of trails for nature walks, a 30 foot high observation tower, a laboratory, radio communication, field assistance and office services.