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, taking pride of their flora and fauna. 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...
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,...
If you are a supporter of Paso Pacífico, you are already aware of the vital importance of healthy forests to the environment of our whole planet. A large part of our work involves protection of forest habitats and re-forestation projects. So we were pleased when at the 2021 COP26 climate summit in Scotland, 145 countries pledged to halt and reverse land degradation and forest loss by 2030. (Glasgow Leader’s Declaration). ...
The world is full of wonderful animals you’ve likely never heard of. The yawaum'di, gato colorado, gato moro, león breñero, leoncillo, tigrillo. The eyra, gato-mourisco, gato-preto, gato-vermelho and maracajá-preto. Actually, all those are the same thing — known to English speakers as the jaguarundi. Read on to learn more, such as what it has in common with ocelots, weasels, and tayras. Jaguarundi kitten photo by MARN Distinctive Characteristics of the...
Well, the superhero in the movies probably isn’t. But the black panther is a real panther! Some jaguars and leopards have a black pigmentation, but if you look closely, you can see spots and patterns which identify them as jaguars or leopards. Jaguars and Leopards: The Real Black Panthers So, are panthers and jaguars the same? Contrary to common belief, the difference between a black panther and a jaguar is...
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