Remember Ross’s furry friend from the popular TV show F.R.I.E.N.D.S? Yes, we’re talking about the same Marcel who later became a movie star. Why are we talking about him? Because today we're going to discuss him and his kind - the Panamanian white-faced capuchin. Also known as the Panamanian white-chested capuchin, this entire primate species is considered to be the smartest among New World monkeys. Despite the smarts, they face...
Each year, the Pacific coast of Mesoamerica becomes part of one of the world’s greatest natural journeys. This is when at least a billion birds migrate south to escape harsh weather conditions. This incredible movement also reminds us how important the region is for both species that already live there and those that come here during migration. In this blog, we understand what migratory birds are and why they move...
Back in the ’90s, scientists had already begun warning us: Big changes are coming. On cue, the world watched in horror over the next three decades as the mercury rose, farmlands began to dry out, and unnatural weather patterns prevailed. Today, climate change is a global phenomenon. No country is safe from at least one consequence. Along the Pacific Coast, for instance, rising sea levels and the rapid degradation of...
Life on Mesoamerica’s Pacific slope is influenced by all kinds of things — from its rich mix of plants and animals to its diverse landscapes and colorful cultures. But one of the biggest forces shaping daily life here is the annual monsoon season. These rains aren’t just a weather shift. They’re what keep everything going — helping water crops, refilling rivers and underground water, providing drinking water, and keeping forests...
Depending on the geography, the forest dweller tayra (Eira barbara) goes by various names — tolomuco or perico in Central America, viejo de monte in the Yucatan Peninsula, motete in Honduras, and irara in Brazil. They’re about the size of a dog but look like something else entirely — a cross between a weasel and a wolverine — with dark fur, dark eyes, short legs, long claws, pronounced canines, long...
At a distance, collared peccaries can be confused for warthogs or wild pigs just due to their shape, size, and snout. Peccary, after all, is the family name for pig-like mammals. The Dicotyles tajacu should not be mixed up with Tayassu pecari, the white-lipped peccary. It is a similar pig-like species from the family Tayassuidae. This animal’s most distinctive physical feature is the thin white “collar” around its neck that goes down to its...
Beyond their vast proportions, whale sharks seldom escape notice, not only due to size but for the peculiar patchwork of spots and stripes adorning them. Curiously, these visual signatures differ for each individual—akin to fingerprints among humans—serving as markers for differentiation. Classified under the scientific name Rhincodon typus, these giants are the planet's largest sharks and fish. Fully matured specimens stretch to an imposing 60 feet and tip the scales...
Central America is an amazing region, flanked by the Pacific and the Atlantic. Its shores has miles of coastal wildlife, which like many other species, are often endangered due to changes in the region. One of the most famous inhabitants is the pelican bird, one of the largest in the region. Scientifically named Pelecanus occidentalis, their presence signals not just natural beauty but also the health of marine ecosystems. These...
Native to America—particularly the US-Mexico land borders and southern Argentina—ocelots are shy and elusive wildcats that are facing threats due to the disturbance of their habitats. The Paso Pacifico team is working with local communities and landowners in Central and South America to secure core habitats. We believe giving them an optimal place to hunt, reproduce, and rear their offspring requires an integrative approach. Various factors contribute to the fragmentation...
The gray fox is not as ubiquitous as other fox species as they veer away from urban areas and are hard to spot in the wild. Their salt and pepper color allows them to blend with nature and avoid people. A bit stockier and more agile than the red fox, gray foxes’ total length range is 31 to 47 inches with weights of around 6 to 15 lbs. They are...
The world’s oceans are teeming with all kinds of marine life but it may not stay that way for much longer. By the year 2100, over half of the world’s marine species may be extinct. But we can reverse this destructive trend by preserving our marine corridors. Read on to discover how these vital corridors maintain the health of marine ecosystems. If you’re up for the challenge, you can lend...
The Pacific Ocean is home to sea turtles, a keystone species. They distribute nutrients throughout the waters, positively influencing ecosystems—especially those that exhibit poor primary productivity. They also help maintain stable dune vegetation critical to their reproductive success. Additionally, marine turtles keep the numbers of jellyfish, sponges, and seagrass in check, encouraging the faster and healthier growth of seabeds while supporting the food chain’s integrity. They are unquestionably critical to...
We all know that life began in the oceans, right? This is a very obvious thing, especially since the 71% of the planet’s surface is made of water. These huge water bodies are extremely important to the planet, for many reasons. First of all, because they help to regulate the weather, as well as producing more than half of the oxygen we breathe (that’s vital!).These majestic water bodies contribute heavily...
We all know turtles! They’re amazing and very ancient reptiles. They also have many eggs (with an average clutch of 100 eggs). But do you know what to do if you find turtle eggs? Or how to care for turtle eggs? We’ll answer all of those questions today, especially since survival is an uphill battle for the hatchlings, facing many difficulties and threats that usually involves humans. Do you know...
Many people have trouble telling american crocodiles apart from alligators, especially when comparing the American crocodile vs American alligator in terms of their appearance and behavior. These cold-blooded behemoths look similar but several defining characteristics separate the two. Join Paco Pacifico as we explore the difference between the American crocodile vs alligator. We’ll also provide insights into how wildlife corridors, like the one at Paso del Istmo, play a key...
The trogons are a very distinctive bird that comes from the save family as the quetzals. They are known for their beautiful and brilliant plumage, which usually has very contrasting colors. This makes it unique and really popular among birdwatchers, since it’s a delight to see! But their popularity among bird enthusiasts isn’t just because of their plumage with really nice colors (although it’s a huge reason). What makes them...
Did you know that the mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata) is a New World Monkey? These interesting species are one of the five families of primates residing in South and Central America as well as Mexico. Let’s start with their characteristics: these special animals are often seen as threatening, judged by their looks. Why? Usually large, stocky and with a loud roar, it can be compared to a lion! Isn’t...
Possum vs opossum? Aren’t they different spellings of the same word? Understanding the difference between possum and opossum is essential, as they are not the same animal Many non-native English speakers struggle with telling the 2 species apart. This is mainly because the word “possum” is often used in American colloquial conversation as an abbreviation for “opossum.” Despite the confusion, they’re very different animals. Paso Pacifico will take you through...
When you think about parrots, you’re probably picturing the scarlet macaw with its brilliant red plumage, bright blue and yellow feathers, and creamy white face. Intelligent, sociable, and stunningly beautiful, it is the world’s most famous parrot species. Aside from being frequently featured in TV shows and films, the scarlet macaw plays an important role in our ecosystem. For one, this neotropical parrot distributes seeds throughout its vast Central and...
Are you a retired individual with a tax-deferred Individual Retirement Account (IRA)? Once you reach a certain age, you’re required to start withdrawing money from your IRA. The additional income you receive can push you into a higher tax bracket, which means you’ll have to pay more taxes. This can have a significant impact on your net income. Because of this, many retirees opt to donate the money (all or...
You have probably heard this phrase before: “Forests are the lungs of our planet”. I must tell you that such thing is entirely correct. They make up 31% of the world’s land area. But that’s not everything you can know about forests! Let me tell you even more interesting facts about them, such as their diverse forms, each with unique ecosystems! These are so important because they work as sanctuaries...
The sea turtle is one of North America’s most treasured species. People often pay huge amounts on excursions to witness these creatures in their natural habitat, swimming among coral reefs in the middle of stark blue seas. There are currently seven sea or marine turtle species in existence: Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Leatherback, Olive ridley, Green, Flatback, and Kemp’s ridley. Most of them can live up to 100 years. However, it is...
When you think about the wild cats of the Americas, the cougar and jaguar are the stars of the show. Even though these large predatory cats are iconic in their own right, they take attention away from the rest of the New World’s felid guild. A wide array of small and medium-sized cats stalk the forests of North, Central, and South America. Among these lesser-known wildcats, the jaguarundi stands out...
Central America has a diverse array of dazzling landscapes and biospheres. Its lush rainforests and montane forests are home to a charismatic primate that has become an icon of Central American wildlife, the black-handed spider monkey. The black-handed spider monkey is one of the seven species of spider monkeys found in Central and South America. These curious and charismatic primates can be seen swinging through the treetops, congregating noisily, and...
We all love turtles, don’t we? These beautiful creatures often lurk in the sea and on land! Sea turtles aren’t an exception to this either: they are some of the most majestic creatures on the planet! Getting to watch one of them swimming through the water is a beautiful thing, going through the coral reefs and simply sunbathing under the sun on the beach. If you’ve never “stumbled upon a...
When you think of Central and South American wildlife, you’re probably picturing iconic species of the rainforest like jaguars and anacondas. These large and impressive predators are the main attractions for wildlife tourism in the region, but they wouldn’t be there without a thriving, healthy ecosystem. that includes lesser-known species such as the greater grison, an important part of this intricate web of life. The web of life that holds up...
Few animals embody the wild and beautiful nature of the neotropical jungle like the jaguar. This apex predator is an icon of the Mesoamerican and Amazon forests and can be found in 18 countries across Central and South America. Some species are so charismatic, fascinating, and frightening to local people that they become more than just wildlife. They become part of native storytelling. Jaguars enjoy that lofty position, but with...
The planet’s oceans are teeming with fascinating creatures but few capture our imaginations as whales have. These gentle giants travel great distances each year and can be found in all of the world’s oceans. The sight of a massive whale breaching the surface is breathtaking whether you’re seeing it on video or firsthand. One species of whale known for this breaching behavior is the humpback whale. The species’ history can...
Each holiday season, poinsettias adorn our homes, workplaces, and parties with their vibrant red and green leaves. They are the world's most economically important potted plant, and our holidays are more joyful thanks to this gift from the forest. Here are some ways that wild populations of undomesticated poinsettias play a crucial role in protecting both the species, the poinsettia industry, and our holiday season: Genetic diversity: Wild poinsettias harbor a...
by Nicholas Bridgman At Paso Pacífico, we talk a lot about wildlife corridors like the Paso del Istmo Wildlife Corridor. What is a wildlife corridor? A wildlife corridor is a network of larger areas of wildlife habitat linked by another passage of habitat. Its goal is to counteract habitat fragmentation, a main cause of biodiversity decline. Fragmentation, such as by human development, leads to smaller and smaller islands being created,...
The great false vampire bat (Vampyrum spectrum) is the largest bat in the New World, and the largest carnivorous bat in the world. It can look scary when its wings are extended. Kim Williams-Guillen and Merlin Tuttle hold a great false vampire bat Notice the word “false”? Because this bat doesn't suck blood, it’s not a true vampire bat. But it is carnivorous, which means that it can eat a LOT of...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sarah Otterstrom Phone: +1-805-643-7044 Email: sarah@pasopacifico.org Paso Pacífico Commits to Launch Machete Project for Forest Restoration A youth-led, farmer-centered solution to address climate change New York, New York, Sept. 22, 2023 Paso Pacífico and its partners announced a Commitment to Action at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2023 Meeting. Paso Pacífico will launch its open-source digital platform, the Machete Project, to catalyze forest restoration by connecting 300,000 youth with...
Guest post by Dayspring Pens Dayspring Pens is proud to partner with Paso Pacífico through a donation of 40 engraved pens. It is an honor to be able to donate to an organization that works so diligently to protect and restore the endangered dry tropical forest and coastal ecosystems of Mesoamerica’s Pacific Slope. Paso Pacífico works with local communities, landowners, and partner organizations to address the most urgent conservation needs...
Have you heard of World Ocean Day? World Ocean Day is a global day to dedicated to the ocean, climate conservation, and activism. It was originally proposed by Canada at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The United Nations General Assembly officially recognized June 8th as World Oceans Day in 2008 after a four-year petition drive and years of groups holding events to promote the movement. World...
Press Release: SoftServe and Paso Pacífico to Deliver a Digital Platform for Tropical Forest Restoration SoftServe supports the non-profit Paso Pacifico to develop a digital platform to slow climate change through tropical forest restoration in Central America. The project has started within Open Tech, SoftServe’s corporate pro bono program, where the company’s associates volunteer to deliver tech solutions for communities. Carbon emission is one of the primary drivers of climate...
Guest post by Paso Pacífico volunteer Ula Leavitt. In early 2023, Ula traveled to Playa Los Cóbanos, El Salvador on our behalf to participate in humpback whale research with Proyecto Megaptera. Their research is being carried out in partnership with The Society for Marine Mammalogy, Panacetacea, PRIMMA/UABCS, IDEA WILD, La Orca de Sayulita, Fundación Naturaleza El Salvador, Bar Ballena and Ministerio de Medio Ambiente. I am a 16 year old...
Oysters keep the oceans healthy. They filter up to 50 gallons of ocean water a day and form banks with their shells, giving habitat and protection! Without them, seawater is more polluted, coasts erode more easily, and there is less habitat for sea life. With your support and with generous funding from the PRBB Foundation, the oyster cooperative in the village of Pochote has made great strides for oysters and more. The aim...
By Jason G. Goldman Later this month, more than 250 surfers from 52 nations will take to the waters of El Salvador to compete in the 2021 Surf City El Salvador ISA World Surfing Games. Meeting in the town of El Tunco, around 80 kilometers east of Los Cobanos on El Salvador's Pacific Coast, the athletes will compete for the twelve remaining slots available for competition at the Tokyo 2020...
By Jason G. Goldman When Lila Higgins first had the idea to pit Los Angeles against San Francisco in a race to see which city could generate the most biodiversity data in just eight days, she had no idea it would spawn a global movement. The year was 2016, and the Obama White House had declared April 16 of that year as "Citizen Science Day." Higgins, the Senior Director of...
In Central America, some farmers use machetes to plant "living fences" and assist forest regrowth. There is significant potential for mass forest regrowth efforts using their techniques, but this information is hard to find. Today, you can fund the pilot project that will gather this information, design easy instructions and pilot this program to 1000 farmers so they can grow 20,000 trees. Until 11:59 pm EDT on Friday, April 23,...
By Jason G. Goldman Biologist Miguel Ordeñana crouches down in the shade of a forest and reaches into his pack for a small bottle. He sprays the substance on a tree just a few feet above the ground. A few meters away behind him is a camera trap he's deployed. The liquid he's spraying is a cologne called Calvin Klein Obsession for Men and if he's lucky, the scent will...
By Jason G. Goldman The writing was on the wall more than a decade ago, or at least it seemed to be. Though the species was classified as one of "least concern" by the IUCN, yellow-naped amazon parrots were struggling in the Paso del Istmo region of Nicaragua. The green-feathered birds sport patches of red on their wingtips and are named for the yellow on top of their necks. A...
By Jason G. Goldman The world lurched to a standstill in the spring of 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic infiltrated nearly every corner of the planet. But while our daily lives slowed and changed, the rest of the natural world kept plodding on, almost oblivious to the fear and angst gripping human communities. Spending all that time at home, many people began looking out their windows or going on long...
By Jason G. Goldman As the sun sets on the beaches of Costa Rica's Pacific coastline, a man walks along looking for comma-shaped scoop marks in the sand, the telltale sign of a nesting sea turtle. He follows a set of tracks from the water's edge until they stop. That's where he starts digging. Eventually, he uncovers a hundred or more leathery eggs, each the size of a ping-pong ball....
Every winter, the willow flycatcher travels from the U.S. to Central America for the season. Five years ago, we began studying the bird's habitat use in Nicaragua. What we learned was surprising! The birds return each year to nearly the same location. These small flycatchers prefer scrubby vegetation near water. Sadly, these are areas most frequently burned or cleared by farmers. Will you help save one willow flycatcher? Your donation...
By Jason G. Goldman This is the third article in a three-part series on connectivity. Click here to read part one: “Coexistence, Not Corrals” and click here to read part two: “Building Bridges – Literally.” Once upon a time, an animal that was sufficiently motivated could safely travel the 2500 miles from the forests of southern Mexico through Central America to wind up safely in Colombia. The so-called Mesoamerican land corridor is still...
By Jason G. Goldman This is the second article in a three-part series on connectivity. Click here to read part one: "Coexistence, Not Corrals" and click here to read part three: "Making Way for Monkeys." The natural world is being carved and sliced into smaller and smaller parcels. Forests and grasslands and deserts are becoming like individually wrapped fun-size candy bars of nature, each with its own fragmented community of wild plants and...
By Jason G. Goldman This is the first article in a three-part series on connectivity. It was the first of March, 1872, when President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act into law. With his signature, the nation's first national park was officially born. It's hard to say exactly where the idea for a national park came from, but the origins of Yellowstone seem to lie in...
This year’s pandemic is causing extra poaching for the pet trade in Central America. Endangered baby spider monkeys are now much more likely to be stolen from their mothers and sold into a life of captivity. Many want a baby spider monkey pet, but that doesn’t mean they’re meant to live with us as a pet. But there’s good news: you can help! Giving Tuesday officially kicks off the holiday...
By Jason G. Goldman Every year, millions of birds of prey migrate from summertime breeding grounds in North America to overwintering grounds in South America. One section of their pathway stretches nearly 2500 miles between central Texas and northwestern Colombia’s Chocó rainforests and is known as the Mesoamerican Land Corridor. More than five million raptors – the family of birds that includes vultures, hawks, eagles, and owls – can be...
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