Across the wetlands of Brazil’s Pantanal, jaguar conservation is evolving into a powerful collaboration among science, local communities, and long-term fieldwork. Supported by the broader mission of conservation leaders and organisations, this project is rooted in years of monitoring, community trust, and technological innovation.
The Big Cats Initiative (BCI) exists to protect the world’s most threatened big cat species by supporting field projects that deliver measurable, lasting impact for wildlife and people. Founded by Dereck and Beverly Joubert, BCI backs both established and emerging conservation leaders, providing funding and a network for collaboration. Its support strengthens efforts like this Pantanal project, helping scale innovative tools, deepen community partnerships, and ensure on-the-ground actions for jaguar protection continue to grow year after year.
For World Jaguar Day, we spoke with the Instituto Homem Pantaneiro (IHP) team working on the ground, whose experience through the Pantanal Felines Program, biodiversity credit development, and community partnerships reveals what it truly takes to protect one of the world’s most iconic big cats.
Conservation Impact
For the team, some moments stand out as defining milestones, moments when years of work culminated in a single, unforgettable event.
One such moment was the emergency rescue of a jaguar on the edge of a long-term study property.
“One of the most remarkable moments was the technical rescue of a jaguar on the edge of a property where we have been working since 2016… seeing the team mobilised and using the knowledge accumulated by the Pantanal Felines Program… showed, in practice, how much this work makes a difference.”
Another milestone has been the creation and consolidation of the Jaguar Stewardship in the Pantanal project, a pioneering model that issues biodiversity credits tied to ecological indicators, habitat quality, monitoring, and fire prevention.
As the team describes:
“Our work goes beyond ‘emission reduction,’ as in carbon credits, and focuses instead on valuing biodiversity — that is, paying for maintaining or improving local biodiversity.”
This shift toward valuing biodiversity directly marks a new chapter in conservation finance and long-term sustainability for jaguar habitats.
Reducing Conflict Through Practical Solutions
Conflict between ranchers and jaguars is a daily reality in the Pantanal, and reducing it requires consistent, multi-layered action over time.
“The combination of several actions over time was essential: environmental education activities, depredation assessments on ranches, camera-trap monitoring, and the installation of light-based repellents.”
Each tactic, from early prevention tools to improved monitoring, helps ranching communities make informed decisions, anticipate risk, and adopt alternatives that protect both cattle and big cats.
Another crucial and motivating factor is witnessing children engage with conservation. Their stories remind everyone why this work must continue.
“Many of them grow up seeing tracks, hearing family stories, and living alongside big cats long before they learn the word ‘conservation.’ Hearing them tell these stories with a sparkle in their eyes is a powerful reminder of why we are here.”
Community Engagement in Action
While formal studies on changes in perception are underway, the team has already observed a meaningful cultural shift in how communities respond to jaguars.
“Dialogue has increased, people call the team more frequently, and they are starting to look for solutions before conflict happens — and that already shows an important shift.”
Local people are essential to the long-term success of this work.
“They are the first to observe tracks, identify unusual behaviour, and alert the team. Without their involvement, none of the actions would be sustainable.”
Their vigilance, knowledge of the land, and willingness to collaborate give the project its strength.
Technology & Innovation Supporting Jaguar Conservation
In the last few years, the team has embraced an impressive suite of technologies to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scale.
“AI for camera-trap image sorting… dashboards for data visualisation… optimised Excel spreadsheets… These tools freed up technical time that we can now dedicate to deeper analyses and field planning.”
They have also incorporated bioacoustics, an increasingly important technique for monitoring ecosystem soundscapes. Together, these tools reveal patterns that help guide future decisions and enable more time for habitat protection strategies.
Education & Capacity Building
From the team’s perspective, education is the foundation upon which all other conservation actions stand and a very important component of jaguar conservation.
“Environmental education is the foundation of everything… Conservation only truly happens when the community understands and values the importance of these animals.”
Their programs nurture leadership and empower residents, helping people feel a deeper sense of belonging and responsibility toward their natural heritage.
“Information and knowledge are empowering and, at the same time, tools for fostering a sense of belonging and identity.”
And for the next generation of conservationists?
“Don’t give up… Every step counts, and this dedication builds real results.”
The Bigger Picture
Protecting jaguars means protecting entire ecosystems.
“When we protect its habitat and reduce threats to its survival, we are automatically taking care of dozens of other species, the vegetation, and the balance of the entire ecosystem.”
And in the Pantanal, hope comes from the signs of resilience the team sees in the field.
“It is very inspiring to see… females that are already on their third recorded litter… It is also motivating when rural landowners reach out to us spontaneously seeking guidance to avoid conflicts. This shows that the relationship is changing.”
As for what the world should remember on World Jaguar Day?
“Caring for the jaguar today is ensuring biodiversity and balance for tomorrow.”
Photo Credit Guilherme Pimentel IHP
A special thank you to all our field partners, supporters, Earth Partners, and donors who are part of this mission to protect big cats around the globe.
