The jaguar is one of Bolivia’s most threatened species, facing habitat destruction, conflicts with cattle ranchers, and illegal trade. Since 2014, Bolivia has become a hub for the illegal jaguar trade, with more than 600 jaguar fangs intercepted en route to China. Santa Cruz is a hotspot for jaguar hunting, and our focus is on raising awareness in the Chiquitano dry forest.
Inspired by the documentary “Jaguar Spirit” we are engaging local indigenous communities of the Chiquitano Dry Forest through workshops, informative art, and the screening of the documentary.
These efforts aim to foster local pride, open discussions on the illegal trade, and inspire action to protect jaguars.
As David Attenborough said, “If children don’t grow up knowing about nature, they won’t understand or protect it. And if they don’t, who will?”
Coexistence
Jaguars and other wild cats often have a bad reputation in local communities, where they are seen as dangerous ‘beasts’ that people fear. To address these misconceptions, we organized workshops in Indigenous communities to openly discuss human-wildlife conflicts, share insights into jaguar ecology, and raise awareness about the illegal wildlife trade. Our workshops drew nearly 90 participants, fostering a deeper understanding and encouraging coexistence with these remarkable species.
We organized workshops for children from Indigenous communities, with nearly 80 kids participating. During the sessions, we engaged them in drawing felids and explained the crucial role these animals play in the ecosystem.
Returning Home
A part of the documentary Jaguar Spirit was filmed in the Chiquitano dry forest, where the community of San Pablo Sur plays a leading role. We’re bringing the film back to its roots, fulfilling our promise to show the community their story on the big screen. This is an opportunity for nearby communities to see their neighbors’ voices and experiences represented, to connect with a film in their own language that showcases their forest and their reality.
Would you like to see the documentary?
These activities are made possible through the support of the CAPF programme
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