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...
Note from Paso Pacífico: In late 2023, for the first time in several years, we were able to host a group of friends in Central America and show them some of the impact of their support! Andrew Seligman helped plan and then attended the donor trip. We are deeply grateful for Andrew’s help. Thank you also to everyone who participated in this trip and has supported any part of our...
In May of 2023, a Taiwanese man was arrested at Miami International Airport after officers heard a chirping sound coming from his hand luggage. Inside were 28 parrot eggs, some already hatched! All were endangered species—yellow-naped and red-lored Amazon parrots. The man had been paid to fly from Central America to another country in a transit route that would take the birds around the world and to buyers in China....
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...
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...
When El Salvador’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) contacted us in 2022 and asked for help in caring for captive spider monkeys, we knew right away we would call on the experienced animal keepers at Zoo Boise. El Salvador has a big problem with animal smuggling. Poachers will target any exotic animal to sell as a pet to the overseas illegal trade in endangered species. Often, they will...
Are there jaguars in El Salvador? On a recent trip to El Salvador with Paso Pacífico, I listened to a local farmer proudly naming the jaguar as a local species. I didn’t like to contradict him, but the outside world says that nobody has seen one in decades, and jaguars are now officially extinct in El Salvador. Still, there are many cases where locally extinct species reappear after decades of...
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