Wildlife
Ecology and Conservation
Laboratory
PROJECTS
Ecology and Conservation of the Jaguar in the Mayan forest of Calakmul
This project began in 1997 in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, aiming to generate solid, up-to-date knowledge on jaguar ecology and conservation. Over time, the study expanded across the southern Yucatán Peninsula, using satellite telemetry and camera traps to assess jaguar behavior in both protected and human-impacted areas. The data helped identify key areas for conservation and estimate the territory needed to support viable jaguar populations. These efforts laid the foundation for Cenjaguar, Mexico’s first national and continental-scale jaguar census. Since 2005, the team has also organized annual symposia—“The Mexican Jaguar in the 21st Century”—to unite experts and promote conservation actions across the country.
Ecology and Conservation of prairie dogs ecosystem in Janos, Chihuahua
For over 20 years, our work in Janos has focused on conserving one of the largest black-tailed prairie dog colonies in North America and the native grassland ecosystem that sustains it. Facing rapid degradation of these habitats, we have developed long-term research and conservation projects to restore grasslands, improve livestock management, and support local communities.
In 2009, our efforts led to the creation of the Janos Biosphere Reserve—Mexico’s first federal reserve to protect native grasslands.
Our main projects include:
Grassland Restoration Program
Promotes habitat recovery, responsible agriculture, and sustainable grazing to reverse shrubland expansion and support prairie dog populations.
JPACS Experiment
A long-term study on the interaction between prairie dogs and cattle, revealing their combined effects on grassland structure and biodiversity.
Porcupine Conservation
Research on the endangered North American porcupine has identified critical riparian habitats for its survival at the southern limit of its range.
Species Reintroductions
More than 300 black-footed ferrets and 150 prairie dogs have been reintroduced to restore key species and ecosystem functions.
Ecology and Conservation of low forests in Chamela, Jalisco
The project “Ecology of Small Mammals in the Dry Forest of Chamela” began in 1986. The objective was to evaluate the influence of environmental heterogeneity on population dynamics and on the structure of communities of small tropical mammals. Information has been generated since 1990 and has allowed us to have the longest database for a dry tropical ecosystem.
Small projects have been carried out throughout these years. The possible effect of the “El Niño” phenomenon on small mammal species was evaluated; The structure and content of Liomys pictus burrows; The habitat use of arboreal rodent species of which there is little information and the spatial and temporal variation of the community structure.
Conservation in Latin America
Colombia
In partnership with The Sierra to Sea Institute and ProCAT, we lead science-based conservation projects across Colombia, focusing on biodiversity research and training in ecology and management.
Costa Rica
Active since the 1990s, our work includes research on connectivity, feline ecology, and conservation, as well as educational and editorial projects to support biodiversity management.
Perú
Since 2011, we've collaborated on expeditions that led to the discovery of new mammal and amphibian species, contributing significantly to the knowledge and conservation of Peru's biodiversity.