Jaguars: How Research, Community, and the Big Cats Initiative Are Shaping the Future of Colombia’s Wild Cats
In the tropical forests of Colombia’s Middle Magdalena region, a remarkable conservation partnership is unfolding for jaguars. Ana Maria Pardo Solarte, a PhD researcher from the Universidad de los Andes, working closely with Fundación Proyecto Primates, an organisation with over a decade of conservation leadership, is helping transform our understanding of jaguars , the landscapes they inhabit, and the people who live alongside them.
Her work forms part of a broader movement empowered by the Big Cats Initiative (BCI). Spearheaded by Dereck and Beverly Joubert, BCI supports both established conservation organisations and emerging local leaders who might otherwise remain underresourced. Crucially, BCI works to break down isolation among field organisations, fostering collaboration, shared learning, and the spread of effective practices.
Against this backdrop of support and connection, her research brings together science, community engagement, and a deep personal commitment to protecting jaguars, an animal central to the cultural, ecological, and spiritual identity of Central and South American cultures.
Discover how the Big Cats Initiative is making a positive difference for Colombia’s jaguars.
Small Successes With Big Impact
Although long-term conservation research requires patience, she has already witnessed meaningful milestones.
“Doing a PhD is a long journey, and one where results take time to appear. However, during this project, I have discovered that there are successes along the way that have made me very happy.”
Among those successes is their contribution to the National Strategy for the Conservation of Wild Felids, developed by Colombia’s Ministry of Environment. She explains:
“I was able to contribute insights based on the knowledge we have gathered in our study area.”
Another breakthrough is knowing that her team’s most recent data will help inform the next IUCN conservation assessment for jaguars, an influence that expands far beyond Colombia’s borders.
And of course, nothing compares to the joy of seeing a jaguar appear on a camera trap:
“Every time a jaguar appears on our camera traps, it feels like a huge success.”
Understanding Conflict And Preventing It
Human-jaguar conflict remains one of the greatest threats to big cats across Latin America. The team’s approach blends science and social understanding.
“Our approach consists of merging quantitative and qualitative analyses to understand conflict with jaguars.”
They aim to test promising methodologies that could eventually become new standards for NGOs navigating complex coexistence challenges. These tools are urgently needed, as she was reminded during a particularly tense moment in the field.
“There were some ranchers about to kill a jaguar that was preying on their cattle… Moments like this remind me that this reality is constant and happening all the time.”
It’s this very urgency that fuels a collective determination.
“The end goal of what I do is to help those jaguars that are roaming cattle ranches and adapting to our ever-changing world.”
Communities as Co-Guardians
The next phase of her project, beginning in 2026, will focus deeply on community engagement through dialogue, workshops, and shared learning.
“Next year will be dedicated to strongly engaging with local actors…”
Local people are central to long-term coexistence.
“Without their collaboration, there is no way that there will be a sustainable sharing of territories with jaguars… local people have the potential to become guardians of jaguars.”
Conservation can transform lives.
“Many local people have radically changed their perceptions and have fallen in love with nature and its protection by working on conservation projects.”
It is important to acknowledge Arnulfo, Julio, Noel, Yelsin, individuals whose contributions reflect the power of local leadership and community ownership.
Technology For The Forest
Technological innovation plays a vital role in modern jaguar conservation. Camera traps remain central:
“I believe they are a revolutionary tool for studying wildlife, especially in tropical forests.”
The team uses AI to process thousands of images, along with advanced analytical models to monitor population dynamics with increasing accuracy. She encourages others to embrace technological collaboration:
“I invite all conservationists to always be open to collaborating and sharing their data, methods, and tools… we need to move as fast as the changes occurring in our ecosystems.”
Building a Future Led by Local Conservationists
Education and capacity-building begin in earnest in 2026, and this work will be vital.
“Education and training are key to making results sustainable.”
For young conservationists dreaming of working with big cats, she shares heartfelt guidance:
“It’s never too late to start! My dream has always been to work with jaguars… Reach out to people, don’t be shy.”
Her advice highlights the importance of passion, ethics, and collaboration, values that mirror the ethos of BCI itself.
Why Jaguars Matter
Jaguars are more than a species, they are a symbol of ecosystem health. As she explains:
“Wherever there is a big cat, it is a sign that there is still work to be done and ecosystems to be preserved!”
Their future depends on all of us: researchers, communities, donors, and global conservation allies.
“The jaguar is a symbol of biodiversity… Knowing that this idea is on the minds of so many people gives me hope for a more favourable future for our jaguars.”
A Message for World Jaguar Day
Her closing message for World Jaguar Day:
“Admire them! The jaguar… is still among us!”
She invites us to imagine the world from a jaguar’s perspective, navigating pastures, villages, and plantations in search of safe habitat.
“Wouldn’t it be ideal if you could feel safe in all of these places? That is the future… that we manage to coexist with this species and find a balance so that it has enough space and resources to survive.”
A special thank you to all our implementing partners, supporters, Earth Partners, and donors who are part of this mission to protect big cats around the globe.
