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.
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.
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
493
Jaguars
Tracked
13
Established
Partnerships
59
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 UNESCO 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
Abbie Martin
Founder & President
American zoologist and skilled mariner from Upstate New York, leads the Jaguar Identification Project, founded in 2015. Using citizen science and remote cameras, the project studies jaguars in Brazil’s Pantanal. She also founded the nonprofit Wetland Research Center (2020) and has documented nearly 350 jaguars, building the largest demographic database for the species while promoting their value alive in the ecosystem.
Chris Ang
Secretary
Wildlife photographer and conservation storyteller dedicated to using photography to support wildlife protection. For the past five years, he has documented the extraordinary wildlife of Brazil's Pantanal, creating images that contribute to the work of conservation organizations including WWF, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and World Animal Protection. Drawing on a previous international career in business strategy, he combines visual storytelling with a strategic approach to inspire greater awareness and action for wildlife conservation.
Yana
White
Treasurer
American conservationist and aspiring ecologist, studies Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a focus on wildlife conservation and animal behavior. Since 2022, she has contributed to the Jaguar Identification Project and serves on the board of the Wetland Research Center. Her work explores rapid adaptation as a tool for conservation, while her visual media and outreach efforts help connect scientific research with public engagement and environmental advocacy.
CONTACT
Contact Us
For any inquiries, questions or commendations, please fill out the following form:
Head Office
110 Circle Drive N
Canastota NY 13032
Volunteer
To volunteer at the Wetlands Research Center please contact us at: info@wetlandresearchcenter.com
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