Restoring forests to recover jaguars

JALISCO AND NAYARIT STATES :: MEXICO

Jaguars are the biggest of the big cats in the Americas—top predators whose presence is a strong indicator of a healthy, thriving ecosystem. But encroaching agriculture and infrastructure development—among other threats—have fragmented the species’ habitat and left the population in decline.

In Mexico’s Central Pacific landscape, WWF aims to reverse that trend. Through WWF’s Forests Forward program, with support from global packaging solutions provider SIG, WWF-Mexico is working with 29 local communities to restore and connect almost 1,900 critical acres of jaguar habitat and to improve forest management across nearly 25,000 more. Key to the project’s success has been engaging communities in monitoring wildlife, improving livestock management, and addressing human-jaguar conflict.

Over 100 camera traps installed throughout the landscape have photographed at least 18 jaguars, including two cubs. That research is now helping the project team identify priority areas for restoration—with 450 acres currently under restoration.