WETLANDS ARE THE HEART OF OUR PLANET
ABOUT
The Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland. Spread across three South American countries - Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay - it spans 42 million miles and attracts over 1 million visitors each year. An immense variety of species of microbes, plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish and mammals rely on wetlands for food, water and shelter, especially during migration and breeding.
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The Wetlands Research Center aims to use citizen science to promote environmental education, sustainable tourism, and study apex predators such as the valued jaguar and giant otter. Our mission is to create and facilitate a research center to better understand wetlands throughout the world.
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Our intention is to make sure the presence of tourism isn’t negatively affecting the wildlife but in turn supporting it. The Wetlands Research Center provides a place for biologist and wildlife volunteers to update the jaguar observation data, otter observation data, teach English to locals, and give educational lectures on the Pantanal wetlands.
2020
Year Established
243
Jaguars
Tracked
12
Established
Partnerships
26
Hosted
Volunteers
MISSION
The Wetland Research Center
The Pantanal is the worlds most biodiverse wetland and yet is very misunderstood and understudied Without governmental funding for wildlife centers, the pantanal lacks a place where researchers can stay to conduct long term studies One of out main goals is to build a research center located in the heart of the Northern Pantanal.
Conserve and Protect Wetlands Species
In 2000 UNSCO declared the Pantanal as a world heritage site, home to many of South Americas iconic and endangered species; such as the jaguar, giant other, hyacinth macaw, marsh deer, and many more. Protecting the rich biodiversity of the Pantanal will aid in the conservation of these species for generations to come.
Eco Tourism Education and Field Guides
The Wetland Research Center aims to partner with local ecotourism operators and non-profits to create a fountain of educational resources. Providing the proper environmental education will bridge the gap between us and our natural world. Creating incentives for the local communities to want to understand and protect their precious lands.
PROJECTS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Abigail
Martin
President
Is a American zoologist from New York who created the Jaguar Identification Project and founded The Wetland Research Center, Inc. The Jaguar ID Project uses citizen science and remote camera traps to study the ecology and behavior of a large population of jaguars found in the Porto Jofre region of the Brazilian Pantanal. Over the past 9 years she has documented 246 different jaguars and has over 3,000 hours of wild jaguar observations. Her project offers opportunities for young biologist and nature lovers to come volunteer and experience the beauty and wonder of the world’s largest and most wild wetland.
Chris
Ang
Treasurer
Is an image creator and contributor to several conservation organizations such as WWF, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and the World Animal Protection. Chris is also a brand ambassador for Cotton Carrier gear and Gura Gear. Chris has been coming to photography the wildlife of the Pantanal for the last 5 years. Chris believe that for photography to be optimal is had to serve a higher purpose and that's exactly what he does with his photos; to invite people to fall in-love with nature and its species, hoping people will better protect what they love. Before becoming a nature advocate and photographer, he was a successful and well-traveled business strategist--helping to develop business building strategies globally.
Paul
Donaheu
Secretary
Paul Donahue is a naturalist, artist, photographer and environmentalist from California. He has been working in the South American tropics since 1972, and with jaguars in the northern Pantanal since 2007. During that time he spent six seasons working as the jaguar biologist/naturalist for local ecotourism operators. In addition to jaguars, he has worked extensively with South American birds, conducting avifaunal surveys, recording hours of bird vocalizations, and leading many birding trips. Paul has constructed rainforest canopy walkways in Peru and Costa Rica, and dozens of canopy observation platforms. Paul has also conducted many guide training workshops in Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.
CONTACT
Inquiries
For any inquiries, questions or commendations, please fill out the following form
Contact Us
Head Office
Volunteer
To volunteer at the Wetlands Research Center please contact us at info@wetlandresearchcenter.com
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