Blog Post by Juan Carlos Cruz Díaz, Feline Program Coordinator When we talk about the jaguar, it is difficult to distinguish the many vital roles this iconic species plays. All throughout Latin America, the jaguar is deeply rooted in the indigenous culture. From a cultural point of view, it has been part of many artistic and cinematic works. From a conservationist point of view, it has been considered everything that a species can be: an umbrella species, a flagship species, a keystone species, an indicator species, and an apex predator. In...

Blog by Ruthmery Pillco Huarcaya, Botanical Projects Coordinator (Translated by Amaris Norwood, DC office intern)   One of Osa Conservation’s objectives is to support the conservation of at-risk trees through the conservation ex-situ program  (such as the creation of a botanical garden) which is a supplement of the in-situ ecological restoration and rewilding program that we continue to pursue. About the Cornizuelo It has been more than a year since we planted the seeds of a Vachellia allenii tree, locally known as a cornizuelo (the tree of the horns).  This tree can be found growing...

Blog Post by Marina Garrido, Restoration Research Field Assistant [caption id="attachment_11289" align="alignnone" width="752"] Growing Trees in the Osa's Forest Floor. Photo by Frank Uhlig[/caption] Recent Restoration Success at Osa Conservation Over the past months, the Osa Verde Restoration Plots have been the liveliest place on our property. Wondering why? During this time, we have worked and successfully planted 14,000 trees! A large hard-working team is behind this incredible project. But one of the main pillars of our restoration success is Agustin Mendoza.   [caption id="attachment_11288" align="alignnone" width="752"] Saplings in our Tree Nursery. Photo by Frank Uhlig[/caption] Agustin...

Blog Post by Lawrence Whittaker, Osa Conservation Field Researcher [caption id="attachment_11274" align="aligncenter" width="513"] A Spider Monkey Observing the Osa Canopy; Photo by Manuel Sanchez[/caption] Elusive Subjects of Study The Osa Peninsula is a stronghold for the Central American spider monkey, an arboreal acrobat adapt to navigating the rainforest canopy. Studying these dynamic mammals can be a challenge, as they don’t give up their secrets easily. To study spider monkeys, one must track them from the moment they wake to the moment they fall asleep. With the closed canopy that blocks out fading daylight from those on the...

Blog Post by Hilary Brumberg, Rios Saludables Program Coordinator [caption id="attachment_11262" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Osa Land Cover Maps from 1987 to 2017.[/caption]   Good news for Osa’s forests and wildlife! Over the past 30 years, the Osa has seen an 11% increase in vegetation and a decrease in grassland. This year, Osa Conservation started an exciting new partnership with NASA DEVELOP and the University of Georgia (UGA). NASA DEVELOP partners with local organizations to apply NASA Earth observations to address environmental issues around the globe. Through this partnership, we gained insight regarding land use and...

Blog Post by Amaris Norwood, Intern in our DC Office [caption id="attachment_11228" align="aligncenter" width="909"] A Couple of Purple Passion Flowers; Photo by Manuel Sanchez[/caption] It's Almost Earth Day! As Earth Day approaches, we can take this time to reflect on the current environmental state of the planet.  From habitat loss to climate change, from poaching to illegal animal trade. Over recent years, we have seen species decline.  At the same time, we’ve seen habitats and species regenerate. Marine restoration, reforestation, and other conservation and preservation efforts are to thank for this.  At times, we've even been...