Building Biological Corridors

This page will detail our integrative method/approach in detail and describe both corridors we work in: the Paso del Istmo and the Paso del Gordo.

What we do is build biological corridors. We do it by XYZ.

Integrative Process Model (maybe include an example):

1. Observe and Listen.
2. Identify the Focus.
3. Contextualize the Needs for solving.
4. Innovate Solutions.
5. Repeat for Impact.

The Prezi graphic is great; it just needs to be translated into English and have the four circles be the same size.

Frog Example:

1. A preliminary amphibian survey told us there was a population of critically endangered frogs in the area. Additionally, we knew that farmers were having trouble getting enough water for their fields and pastures.
2. We decided to focus on helping the frogs.
3. We studied the local context. We mapped out the region’s streams, pinpointed which streams had these frogs, and figured out who owned the land.
4. We addressed the frogs in several ways.
   1. Junior Rangers put up signs doing x.
   2. We worked with farmers to strengthen the streams on their land by x.
   3. Other methods
5. Impact: The farmers are benefiting from more water and the frogs are repopulating! (We are still innovating to help the frogs and still monitoring and studying them.)

Parrots Example:

1. A survey told us there were few parrots in the area. Uh-oh!
2. We focused on the parrots.
3. We hypothesized and figured out factors: slow maturation, fast poaching, less habitat
4. We are working to help the birds in several ways.
   1. We pay people to protect them, not poach them
   2. Binoculars for slingshots program
   3. Focus on the parrots in Junior Ranger program
   4. planting parrot-friendly trees – will take decades to mature, though
   5. made and refined artificial nests!
5. Impact/we’re still working. Adding more layers, year after year, in an iterative process: always innovating and improving.

Howler Monkey Example (by Eliza):

1. Surveys noticed a sudden increase in dead howler monkeys
2. Focus on monkeys
3. Realized suffering from flulike symptoms and dehydration
4. Worked on it on several fronts:
   1. brought in experts
   2. took blood samples and tried to identify the virus
   3. Junior Rangers put water up in the trees
   4. More community awareness
5. Impact: more living howlers (can we measure?)

For projects, we should have a matching photo for each step.