Jaguar & puma conservation holiday in Brazil

 No-one knows how many jaguars and pumas there are in the Saint-Hilaire/Lange National Park and it surrounding areas, an important refuge where these two cat species probably still survive in numbers.

It is vital that this southernmost population of jaguars in the broad-leaved Atlantic rainforest is protected, as it contains the source population from which some of the jaguar’s previous distribution may be restored. We will assist local conservation efforts by initiating research in this unstudied area of forest, gathering key information vital for the protection of this highly endangered habitat and its resident species. Although the jaguar and puma are highly publicised flagship species, not much is actually known about their biology and interaction with humans. To address this lack of information, the expedition’s research work also aims to assess which human occupation strategies are most compatible with the concurrent survival of large mammals, with special emphasis on the habitat quality for the jaguar and puma. Few areas are left which have remained untouched and these are of high importance for their intrinsic value as a source of species, and as a model for recovering disturbed areas.

The expedition's scientist says: "This organisation's initiative was crucial in initiating our jaguar and puma conservation programme in the Atlantic rainforest of Brazil. Without them this programme would not exist. Their approach is a perfect match between research and conservation and we are delighted to work with them." First of all, please note that this operator has won multiple awards that show its committment to conservation and the environment. Two of the most prominent awards are "Best Volunteering Organisation" at the 2006 Responsible Tourism Awards and higly commended for "Best for Conservation of Endangered Species" at the 2007 awards. See http://www.responsibletourismawards.com for more details.

The operator is committed to running real wildlife conservation research expeditions to all corners of the Earth and says "Our projects are not tours, photographic safaris or excursions but genuine research expeditions, promoting sustainable conservation and preservation of the planet's wildlife by forging alliances between scientists and the public. Our goal is to make, through our expedition work, an active contribution towards a sustainable biosphere. We believe in empowering ordinary people by placing them at the centre of scientific study and by actively involving them out in the field, where there is conservation work to be done.

We always work in close conjunction with local people and scientists and try our best to ensure that the fruits of our expedition work benefit our local helpers, their society and the environment they live in. Adventure, remote locations, different cultures and people are part and parcel of our expeditions, but also the knowledge that you will have played an active role in conserving part of our planet's biosphere. We exist for those who, through their hands-on work, want to make a difference to the survival of the particular species or habitat under investigation, and to the world at large. We invite everyone to come and join us out in the field, at the forefront of conservation, to work, learn, experience and take responsible guardianship of our biosphere.

To achieve this we will wherever possible:

collaborate with reputable scientists, research institutions and educational establishments (wherever possible from the host nation) who are experts in their field

collaborate with organisations and businesses which operate in an ethical and/or sustainable way

operate in an ethical and sustainable way, minimising negative impacts on local cultures, environments and economies

publish results and recommendations based on collaborative work together with those who helped gather data and draw conclusions.