Guardians - Rainforest Trust Saves Rainforest

RAINFOREST TRUST GUARDIANS

As part of Rainforest Trust’s mission to purchase and protect threatened tropical forests through innovative in-country partnerships, we support hundreds of people from our partner organizations all over the world who are working on our joint protected area projects in various conservation capacities.

Rainforest Trust Conservation Guardians are the dedicated employees of our local partners. They work to safeguard Rainforest Trust-funded projects on the front lines of deforestation through applied conservation work.

Although the nature of their day-to-day work varies by region, country and project, their duties include:

Ecological Monitoring

Wildlife Population Studies
Vegetation Surveys
Invasive Species Management
Wildlife Behavioral Studies

Protected Area Defense

Anti-poaching Patrols
Anti-logging Patrols
Snare Removal
Perimeter Maintenance

Community Outreach

Community Sensitization
Environmental Education
Sustainable Livelihood Opportunities
Traditional Ecological Knowledge Studies

The Conservation Guardians program is focused on providing practical support to rangers, wardens, community workers and park and forest guards. These Guardians are integral members of the team responsible for safeguarding irreplaceable biodiversity and the crucial protected areas that we help establish. They patrol, enforce and monitor on a daily basis, often in rugged terrain and dangerous circumstances, and are often the people with the most knowledge of the flora and fauna and life in the forests, and with the most daily contact with local communities around the protected areas.

Learn more about Rainforest Trust’s Guardians.

VOICES FROM THE RAINFOREST

Voices from the Rainforest: Guardian Spotlight on Walter Gaona

RAINFOREST TRUST GUARDIANS

Picass Amiral Hie

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Picass Amiral Hie

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

A crayfish fisherman (diver) and tree planter, since September 2017, he has been working as an Ecoguard with CEM on sea turtle conservation in the village of Roc.

MATHEUS GOMES DA SILVA

BRAZIL, RESERVA ECOLÓGICA DE GUAPIAÇU

MATHEUS GOMES DA SILVA

BRAZIL, RESERVA ECOLÓGICA DE GUAPIAÇU

Matheus Gomes da Silva is a young REGUA park ranger in the Guapiaçu Valley, regularly patrolling the portion of the REGUA reserve which was previously Lagoinha farm. Having grown up in the area and particularly passionate about birds, he has always aspired to be a REGUA ranger like his uncle Messias Gomes, who has been working for REGUA for eight years. Matheus’ appointment as a ranger is the culmination of a life-long dream.

Silver Gómez Rodriguez

GUATEMALA, FUNDAECO

Silver Gómez Rodriguez

GUATEMALA, FUNDAECO

A resource guardian for FUNDAECO, Silver works in the area of Monte Carmelo in the Jalaute sector of the Sierra Santa Cruz protected area. His activities include environmental education, core area forest monitoring and assisting landowners in enrolling their forested lands into forestry incentive programs.

Pedro Chipel

GUATEMALA, FUNDAECO

Pedro Chipel

GUATEMALA, FUNDAECO

Pedro studied at the Maya Technical Institute of Natural Resources, and has extensive experience in crafting forest management supporting communal and private projects. He had worked at CONAP (National Council of Protected Areas) for 8 years before joining FUNDAECO’s team and loves to comment that he knows all the hidden places and areas in Cerro Amay. He speaks the Quiche language and is recognized in the region as an expert in the use of GPS and GIS systems. He feels really proud to work around his hometown supporting all conservation efforts in the region.

Jerson Olivares

GUATEMALA, FUNDAECO

Jerson Olivares

GUATEMALA, FUNDAECO

Jerson is originally from Peten, his community is called Ixlu (an area with great traces of Mayan archaeology.) He studied business administration, but his love for nature which he admired since childhood, led him to become the great park ranger that he is today. Although his work as a Park Ranger has taken him far from his studies as an business administrator, the direct contact with the people and the community support he provides as a technician makes him feel very useful, for his community, his people and for his commitment to protect natural resources.

Léon Nemlin Keke

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Léon Nemlin Keke

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

A former rubber tree planter, since May 2017, Léon has been working as a CEM Ecoguard to protect the forest near the village of Mani.

Vernest Nemlin

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Vernest Nemlin

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Vernest used to be an agent weigher, working with a rubber tree cooperative. Currently, he is a planter of rubber trees and has worked as a CEM ecoguard since 2017 to protect the forest near the village of Gnegbagbo.

Marcel Gnagbi Hie

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Marcel Gnagbi Hie

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

A former fisherman, Marcel is now a CEM Ecoguard working in the forest near the village of Mani.

Donatien Guy

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Donatien Guy

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

From the village of Mani, Donatien was a hunter in the forest before working as a CEM Ecoguard. Since June 2017, he has worked for CEM in the community protected area at the mouth of the Dodo River.

Griffith Aby A’mlin

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Griffith Aby A’mlin

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

A former fisherman, he is now a CEM Ecoguard for the village of Mani in the community nature reserve.

Eric Koulé Babo

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Eric Koulé Babo

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Eric worked as a harvester of rubber in plantations until 2015. A proud farmer of manioc, since 2017, he has also worked as a CEM Ecoguard on the forest team in the village of Pitiké.

Eric Wele

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Eric Wele

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Eric served as a guard with the United Nations Côte d’Ivoire in Taboo from 2008 until 2011. Since 2012, he works as a tree planter and a CEM Ecoguard concentrating on marine turtle conservation in the village of Kablaké.

Bertrand Kapet

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Bertrand Kapet

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

A former hunter, since 2014 he has been working as a CEM forest team Ecoguard in the village of Teklebo.

Clément Hou Tabley

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Clément Hou Tabley

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

A fisherman and former sea turtle poacher, in 2010, Clément became the first CEM beach team Ecoguard in the village of Mani.

Edmond Razanadrakoto

MADAGASCAR, MADAGASIKARA VOAKAJY

Edmond Razanadrakoto

MADAGASCAR, MADAGASIKARA VOAKAJY

Edmond Razanadrakoto is a senior research guide, and has worked with SADABE at Tsinjoarivo since 2000. He has extensive experience collecting lemur behavioral data, has actively campaigned for conservation locally, rescued captive lemurs, served as a senior member of the guides association, and trained community members in research and pisciculture/apiculture.

Vincent Razafimahatratra

MADAGASCAR, MADAGASIKARA VOAKAJY

Vincent Razafimahatratra

MADAGASCAR, MADAGASIKARA VOAKAJY

Vincent Razafimahatratra is a senior research guide in Tsinjoarivo, working closely with SADABE since 2013. He gained diverse skills in development and conservation through serving as President of the local association partnering with a GTZ-funded project for ten years. He also serves as President of the Tsinjoarivo Park Rangers.

Fidel Rafidison

MADAGASCAR, MADAGASIKARA VOAKAJY

Fidel Rafidison

MADAGASCAR, MADAGASIKARA VOAKAJY

Fidel Rafidison is the President of the local community association (VOI) FITSINJO in Mahatsinjo-Tsinjoarivo. He is also a research guide, and has worked with SADABE since 2013. He works closely with SADABE in implementing local activities; currently he is supervising the construction of the park management building in Mahatsinjo.

Rolland Lahadison

MADAGASCAR, MADAGASIKARA VOAKAJY

Rolland Lahadison

MADAGASCAR, MADAGASIKARA VOAKAJY

Rolland is one of the forest patrollers from Andranomandry village within Mangabe-Ranomena-Sahasarotra Protected Area. Before 2012, Rolland was teaching in the Andranomandry primary school. Currently, he coaches the young lemur conservation ambassador teams in his village. He is particularly skilled in writing what he learns into songs and poems.

Darwis Jaya Putra

INDONESIA, RASI

Darwis Jaya Putra

INDONESIA, RASI

Since 2012, Darwis has been working with Yayasan Konservasi Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia (RASI) in the Kota Bangu sub-district, Mahakam River, doing dolphin monitoring and ecotourism and will be working as a river guard in 2019. He also works part-time as a sustainable aquaculture fisher.

Bahrudin

INDONESIA, RASI

Bahrudin

INDONESIA, RASI

Since 2012, Bahrundin has been working in the Muara Muntai subdistrict, Mahakam River doing dolphin monitoring and ecotourism and will be working as a river guard in 2019. He also works part-time assisting in village development schemes.

Luís Rubelio García Hernández

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

Luís Rubelio García Hernández

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

Luis Rubelio has been a forest guard with the ProAves Foundation since 2007. He currently works in Las Tangaras Nature Reserve, where he does weekly population monitoring of migratory bird species and is an expert in the mountain bird life of the Colombian Pacific.

Cristian Andrés Vásquez Bermúdez

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

Cristian Andrés Vásquez Bermúdez

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

Cristian, born in Támesis Antioquia, has been part of the ProAves Foundation team since 2013, and is the current forest guard of the El Dorado reserve’s La Cumbre section. Cristian performs restoration work in the degraded areas of the reserve, studies the avifauna of the reserve and monitors migratory bird species.

Reiner Arbey Mantilla Quintero

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

Reiner Arbey Mantilla Quintero

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

Arbey, born in the city of Santa Martha (Magdalena), is part of the ProAves Foundation team as a forest guard of the El Dorado Bird Reserve, La Vista Hermosa section. Cristian performs restoration work in the degraded areas of the reserve, studies the avifauna of the reserve and monitors migratory bird species.

José Gregorio Hernandez

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

José Gregorio Hernandez

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

José Gregorio, born in the municipality of Cajamarca (Tolima), has worked with ProAves Foundation since 2014, and is currently a forest guard of the El Paujil Reserve. He is a great admirer of the avifauna of the Serrania de las Quinchas and also leads environmental education programs to create birding groups for children.

Elkin Mauricio Berrio Ruíz

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

Elkin Mauricio Berrio Ruíz

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

Elkin, a recent employee of the ProAves Foundation, is a forest guard in the El Paujil Reserve, supporting conservation, restoration and education projects with the rural youth of the Serrania de las Quinchas.

Carlos Florez Pai

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

Carlos Florez Pai

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

Carlos, born in the indigenous territory of the Awa people and descendant of this community, is a forest guard working in El Pangan Reserve. He has been a critical person in the defense of the reserve against illegal loggers and traffickers of threatened frog species.

Venancio Flórez López

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

Venancio Flórez López

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

Venancio, born in the municipality of Timbiqui, has been working with Fundación ProAves of Colombia since June 2012 in the Rana Terribilis Natural Reserve. He is a great community leader of the Afro-Colombian communities of the Colombian Pacific, and with his constant and systematic follow-up has restored one of the most threatened frog populations on the planet, the Endangered Golden Poison Frog (Phyllobates terribilis).

Jose Aicardo Echavarria Perez

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

Jose Aicardo Echavarria Perez

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

Jose, born in the municipality of Anori, Antioquia, is the current forest guard of the Arrierito Antioqueño Reserve. He has been associated with the ProAves Foundation for more than 10 years. He is a community leader with a long history in the consolidation of conservation projects and environmental education.

Douglas Meneses

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

Douglas Meneses

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

Douglas, who has spent 10 years with the ProAves Foundation, is a forest guard of Reserva de las Aves Reinita Cielo Azul, and has worked on ecological restoration projects, as well as with conservation easements and corridors for the migratory cerulean warbler (Setophaga cerulea).

Luis Arturo Gómez Guzmán

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

Luis Arturo Gómez Guzmán

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN PROAVES

Luis Arturo, working for ProAves Foundation since 2014, is the current Pauxi Pauxi Bird Reserve forest guard. He is currently leading reforestation projects to recover important forest habitat.

ADEN ALI ELMI

KENYA, HIROLA CONSERVATION PROGRAMME

ADEN ALI ELMI

KENYA, HIROLA CONSERVATION PROGRAMME

Aden Elmi is the field research assistant based in Ijara Subcounty. Having schooled at Kotile primary school and later Kotile secondary school adjacent to Ishaqbini conservancy, Aden is very familiar with the wildlife occurring in the area. He loves nature, the outdoors and especially the wildlife in the area. “My favorite animal is the Hirola” he says. His love for nature and the conservation of the endangered hirola antelope prompted Aden to do something about it and he has continually displayed his passion for conservation since he joined HCP in 2017. He is helping the team in conducting patrols of both wildlife and Hirola monitoring on a daily basis, deploying and checking on the camera traps and helping with collection of transect data collection in the conservancy. In addition, Aden is also a great link with the community as he works with the herders and the adjacent community members especially in handling human-wildlife conflict in the area. Aden is also a role model to many of the kids back in his school who would want to take up conservation as a career in life.

SAID ABDULLAHI BUDHUL

KENYA, HIROLA CONSERVATION PROGRAMME

SAID ABDULLAHI BUDHUL

KENYA, HIROLA CONSERVATION PROGRAMME

Said Budhul has been involved in conservation for as long as he can remember. Before joining mainstream conservation, Said used to disseminate wildlife and poacher information to the KWS field base at Arawale National reserve. This information came by him through the many livestock migrations he did within the hirola rangelands. At the inception of Bura East Conservancy, Said Budhul was brought on board as the ranger in charge of the anti poaching team at Hirola Conservation Program. His wealth of knowledge in this field has seen his team collect close to 200 snares since the conservancy’s inception.

ADEN MOHAMED GUHAD

KENYA, HIROLA CONSERVATION PROGRAMME

ADEN MOHAMED GUHAD

KENYA, HIROLA CONSERVATION PROGRAMME

Aden is a local hailing from Bura sub-county. Aden is a reformed former wildlife poacher who currently works with Bura East Conservancy as a ranger. He says the main reason why he joined conservation work was his realization of how important wildlife is to both his immediate surrounding and the world at large. Attributable to this realization he Joined the conservancy rangers to hunt the hunters and bring them to book. Aden is currently one of the key members of the anti-poaching patrol unit for Bura conservancy.

ALI HASSAN ALI

KENYA, HIROLA CONSERVATION PROGRAMME

ALI HASSAN ALI

KENYA, HIROLA CONSERVATION PROGRAMME

Ali Hassan Ali hails from Bura Subcounty along the Tana River in eastern Kenya. Ali Hassan is a trained teacher but retired from teaching in 2003 to join wildlife conservation work. He started out as a community ranger in the now defunct Arawale National Reserve and later on as a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) community intelligence member. Since joining the world of conservation, Ali has worked in numerous conservation research projects and surveys conducted within the hirola rangelands. Ali currently serves as the warden for Bura East Conservancy. He continues to exhibit his exemplified ranger skills and also acts as the conservancy liaison to KWS. Apart from being the conservancy warden, he also acts as a research assistant for Hirola Conservation Program in larger hirola rangelands.

KHALIF AHMED MOHAMUD

KENYA, HIROLA CONSERVATION PROGRAMME

KHALIF AHMED MOHAMUD

KENYA, HIROLA CONSERVATION PROGRAMME

Khalif Ahmed is a local Somali herdsman and one of our most experienced hirola trackers. Born and bred within the vast Hirola rangelands, Mzee khalif as he is commonly referred to, has been a firsthand witness to the decline of the hirola population. The dwindling of hirola populations and the collapse of the Araawale National Reserve in the 1980s sent him into the world of conservation. He says he had to step up and be a voice for the voiceless wildlife within his community. Mzee Khalif currently serves as the assistant warden for Bura East conservancy. He has been and continues to be an integral member of the Bura East Conservancy since its inception in 2016. His expertise is in tracking of wildlife especially the elusive Grevy’s zebra and serving as a community liaison for the conservancy.

Jemi Kumolontang

INDONESIA, YANI NANTU

Jemi Kumolontang

INDONESIA, YANI NANTU

Jemi Kumolontang is (Yayasan Adudu Nantu Internasional) YANI’s head of field team. He has a 25-year proven record of implementing front-line forest conservation at Nantu, heading the YANI ranger team in the Nantu Forest Protection Units, as well as implementing YANI’s research, education, and community support programs. A former poacher, he has unparalleled knowledge of Nantu’s biodiversity and local conditions, and is truly a Forest Guardian of Nantu.

Ednah Nyambu

KENYA, NATURE KENYA

Ednah Nyambu

KENYA, NATURE KENYA

Ednah Nyambu was born and raised in Kenya, studying Natural Resources Management and majoring in wildlife conservation and management. She is currently working for Nature Kenya in the Saving the Taita Apalis program, protecting a critically endangered bird species, the Taita Apalis, endemic to the Taita Hills. Taita is her home. Her work involves routine site monitoring and engaging local communities in forest conservation. Through the creation of awareness, she hopes to change the local communities attitudes to be pro-conservation and for them to take part in more sustainable farming practices.

Juarez Sena Feitosa

BRAZIL, INSTITUTO ARAGUAIA

Juarez Sena Feitosa

BRAZIL, INSTITUTO ARAGUAIA

Juarez Sena Feitosa was born in the Cantão region, right next to what became RPPN Canto do Obrieni. He was a fisherman and hunter for over thirty years, and knows the region intimately. When Cantão Park was created in 1998, he became one of its first rangers, and soon became instrumental in shutting down fish poacher gangs. Since 2012, he is Instituto Araguaia’s head ranger and research assistant, detecting poachers, tracking endangered species, doing outreach at public schools and community events, and guiding scientists and park patrols in the vast Cantão wilderness.

Nelson Fernando Males Cuichan

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Nelson Fernando Males Cuichan

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Nelson is a park ranger in the Antisanilla reserve and thinks that it is a privilege to work in conservation. His activities focus on the protection of the flora and fauna of the reserve, monitoring spectacled bears, ibis, condors, deer, and other animals. He also patrols the Sufohuaico and Antisanilla reserves, feeds the condors in established places and guides tourists throughout the reserve.

Diego Armando Cabrera Guajala

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Diego Armando Cabrera Guajala

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Diego started work with Fundación Jocotoco on February 2, 2016. Most of his activities include maintaining the hummingbird garden and monitoring parakeets and other birds within Buenaventura reserve. The bird that he likes the most is the Umbrella Bird.

Leodan Bladimir Aguilar Armijos

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Leodan Bladimir Aguilar Armijos

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Leodan Aguilar, park ranger of the Buenaventura reserve, started working for the Jocotoco Foundation on July 2, 2013. He feels great to be working for such an important foundation as Fundación Jocotoco and to be able to help in the construction of trails, bird monitoring, and giving talks to the university students and tourists that visit the reserve. His favorite bird is the Ecuadorian Tapaculo.

Jacinto Filiberto de la Cruz Arteaga

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Jacinto Filiberto de la Cruz Arteaga

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Jacinto is a Guardian of the Canandé Reserve, and is proud to work for the Jocotoco Foundation. He considers it beautiful to conserve nature and that is why he likes the work he does. Many animal and human lives depend on the Jocotoco Foundation, and he hopes that the foundation continues to grow and protect all species in the area.

Juan Pedro Maza Cando

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Juan Pedro Maza Cando

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Juan’s experiences in conservation began when he started working for Fundación Jocotoco in April 2005. It was the best thing that has happened to him so far. Thanks to his job, he has new knowledge. He enjoys monitoring work and learning more about birds. His favorite bird is the Henna Hooded Foliage Gleaner.

Alex Francisco Arellano Cuenca

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Alex Francisco Arellano Cuenca

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Alex started working for Fundación Jocotoco in January 2007. Learning about conservation was was very important to him. He really likes to accompany tourists and show them the birds. His favorite species is the Pale browed Tinamou.

Mario Ricardo Pilataxi Nieto

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Mario Ricardo Pilataxi Nieto

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Mario always says: "Without wings, no one would dream of flying." He has been working for 6 years with Fundación Jocotoco and during this time he has learned a lot about birds, mammals, and reptiles. He believes that wild animals need our help, and that through his work he tries his best to give them that help. He works hard to educate his community about the importance of conserving forests.

Rulman Gerónimo Tanguila Mamallacta

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Rulman Gerónimo Tanguila Mamallacta

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Gerónimo Tanguila has, during the time that he has worked for Fundación Jocotoco, learned many things about conservation. His job is to protect various species of flora and fauna, and it fills him with pride as a forest ranger because he is supporting the conservation of wildlife. He tries his best to spread the message to other people about the importance of nature conservation.

Franco Mendoza Armijos

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Franco Mendoza Armijos

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Franco Mendoza is a conservationist, environmentalist, and wildlife lover. During the past 19 years, he has been working for Fundación Jocotoco and he is one of their team members that was there from the very beginning. He works as a park ranger at the Tapichalaca Reserve, and among the activities he enjoys doing the most are bird monitoring, and calling in the Jocotoco Antpitta, an activity he has been doing since 1999. He has the unique privilege of being one of the few people experienced enough to feed the Jocotoco and guide tourists who come from all over the world to see this magnificent avian species. Franco is an excellent wildlife photographer and bird guide as well.

Ramiro Mendoza Armijos

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Ramiro Mendoza Armijos

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Ramiro began his work at Fundación Jocotoco in March 2005. He is happy to work in conservation. For him, it is a privilege to be able to work in nature while he is monitoring birds, taking photographs or feeding the Jocotoco, which is his favorite bird. He would like to do all he can to protect the animals and forests in his community.

Angel Virgilio Narvaez Rueda

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Angel Virgilio Narvaez Rueda

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Angel started working at the Jocotoco Foundation as a park ranger for the Utuana Reserve in May 2002. His activities include maintaining the trails and keeping the hummingbird feeders clean and supplied. The bird that he likes the most is the Tufted Tyt-Tyrant.

Hector Yela

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN ECOMINGA

Hector Yela

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN ECOMINGA

DRACULA RESERVE PROJECT
Hector Yela and his wife Norma are pillars of the community of Chical, Ecuador. He has been president of the local government, supervised the project that brought electricity to the region, and supervised the feasibility study for one of the major roads connecting communities in the region. His wife is a much-loved schoolteacher who taught most of the younger members of the community. Their daughter Pamela was fascinated by the local orchids, and began to accompany Hector in his field work so that she could see them. Through her, Hector also became fascinated by orchids. Pamela was killed in a transit accident at the age of fifteen, and since then Hector has had a special relationship with orchids as bridges to the memory of his lost daughter. Hector developed friendships with many Ecuadorian and international orchid scientists, and helped uncover the region's extraordinary concentration of endemic plant species. He himself discovered several new species. When Fundacion EcoMinga established a reserve in his area specifically to protect these endemic orchids, he took a leading role in helping with land selection and negotiation, and he is now pleased to be the main protector of these forests.

Sotero Martínez Yáñez

MEXICO, PRONATURA NORESTE

Sotero Martínez Yáñez

MEXICO, PRONATURA NORESTE

Sotero is from the Ejido Santa Juana, Altamira, Tamaulipas. He is currently monitoring parrots in the project "Protection of parrots in danger of extinction in Mexico" in the Ejido Santa Juana.

Jesús Guadalupe Díaz Flores

MEXICO, PRONATURA NORESTE

Jesús Guadalupe Díaz Flores

MEXICO, PRONATURA NORESTE

Jesús is originally from Tempoal Veracruz, Mexico. He is currently involved in monitoring parrots in the project "Protection of parrots in danger of extinction in Mexico" at Rancho Los Colorados.

Jeki Mamahit

INDONESIA, YANI-NANTU

Jeki Mamahit

INDONESIA, YANI-NANTU

Mr. Jeki Mamahit is a team member at Yayasan Adudu Nantu Internasional (YANI Nantu), with 12 years dedicated field conservation action there. Part of the Nantu Protection Units, Jeki works daily alongside YANI’s partners to protect this globally important rainforest and its remarkable wildlife, patrolling reserve boundaries in remote and challenging terrain.

Hiralal Sardar

NEPAL, KTK-BELT

Hiralal Sardar

NEPAL, KTK-BELT

Hiralal Sardar is a 51-year old dedicated forest guard who comes from Paschim Kushaha in Sunsari district. He is the sole guardian for protecting the 40-acre Paschim Kusha Biodiversity Sanctuary. Belonging to a humble background without any formal education Mr. Sardar has grown up working as a farm hand on others’ farms and transporting goods by ox cart. However, after being a part of the Koshi Tappu Conservation Project he is very excited to work as a guard and protect the habitat from any human interference. It is his first venture in the conservation field.

Holger Félix Sánchez Gaona

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Holger Félix Sánchez Gaona

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Holger Sanchez started working for Fundación Jocotoco approximately 12 years ago. He works in the habitat restoration project, specifically in the Jorupe Reserve located in the Macará Canton province of Loja of which he is a native. He works in the production of plants in nurseries and maintaining forests. Holger’s favorite tree is the Higeron.

Diego Wulfrido Velásquez Zumba

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Diego Wulfrido Velásquez Zumba

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Diego Velásquez, Park Keeper of the Tapichalaca Reserve, started working for Fundación Jocotoco in August 2008. He collaborated in monitoring the Black-breasted Puffleg in Yanacocha and Piñan. He is happy to work for Fundación Jocotoco and to be able to help conservation. Diego monitors birds, takes pictures, and feeds the Jocotoco. His favorite bird species is the buff bellied tanager.

Vicente Nicola Mendoza Iñiguez

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Vicente Nicola Mendoza Iñiguez

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Vicente Mendoza, ranger of the Tapichalaca Reserve, started working for Fundación Jocotoco in January of 1999 helping to build trails. He is happy to work for Fundación Jocotoco and to be able to help conservation. He likes to monitor birds, take photographs, and feed the Jocotoco. He has recently implemented a chestnut naped antpitta feeder. His favorite bird is the Jocotoco.

Claudio Enrique Calle Calle

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Claudio Enrique Calle Calle

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Enrique Calle has been working in the Yunguilla reserve since August 2001. He carries out trail maintenance activities, feeds the Atlapetes, and guides tourists. He also focuses on maintenance work, as well as patrols. His favorite bird is the Cabecipalido matorralero.

Francisco Melecio Chuquiguanca Sánchez

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Francisco Melecio Chuquiguanca Sánchez

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Francisco, nicknamed Pancho, started working for Fundación Jocotoco more than 12 years ago.
He works in the "Restoration Program", specifically in the Jorupe Reserve located in the Macará Canton province of Loja. He is in charge of the installation of forest nurseries for the production of native species, and the maintenance of the forest. His favorite tree is the Guayacan.

Livio Cornelio Sánchez Gaona

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Livio Cornelio Sánchez Gaona

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Cornelio Sanchez has been working for Fundación Jocotoco for 12 years. He is from the Macará Canton province of Loja, where his project is located. His daily activities include seed collection, monitoring tree nurseries, and forest maintenance. His expectation of Fundación Jocotoco is that it will continue to grow. His favorite tree is the Guayacan.

Edwin Atem

CAMEROON, CAMEROON WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY

Edwin Atem

CAMEROON, CAMEROON WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY

Atem Edwin Egbe is currently working with the Cameroon Wildlife Conservation Society as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer. He has a Masters of Engineering in Fisheries & Aquatic Ecosystem Management. Edwin has been working with CWCS for more than two years. He takes an active part in the implementation of the Eco-health project and other projects activities, participates in the preparation and monitoring of activities as well as the compilation of data and the production of periodical reports.

Ndelle Mesame Lizett

CAMEROON, CAMEROON WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY

Ndelle Mesame Lizett

CAMEROON, CAMEROON WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY

Ndelle Lizett Messame is the project technical assistant for Cameroon Wildlife Conservation Society. She has a Master of Engineering in Fisheries & Aquatic Ecosystem Management and two years experience in project planning and implementation. Lizett has in the past two years worked with ERuDeF, a NGO working in the field of conservation and sustainable development. As project assistant at CWCS, she participates in the planning & implementation of field activities, forest & fauna inventories and assists in writing technical reports.

Petga Feukeu Laure Emilie

CAMEROON, CAMEROON WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY

Petga Feukeu Laure Emilie

CAMEROON, CAMEROON WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY

Petga Feukeu Emilie Laure is working with Cameroon Wildlife Conservation Society as a field assistant, focusing on the Eco-health project. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology. Her tasks are to assist community education and outreach activities, participate in the implementation of the Eco-health project and other projects’ activities, assist team members, experts and consultants on travel and logistical matters and assist in the preparation of technical reports.

Martin Timba

CAMEROON, CAMEROON WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY

Martin Timba

CAMEROON, CAMEROON WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY

Timba Martin has been working with Cameroon Wildlife Conservation Society for more than sixteen years as an Outboard Pilot. He has spent most of his career in the field. He has participated in studies for the gazettement of Douala-Edea coastal Atlantic landscape as a National Park. He also participates in conducting carbon stock estimation, and biodiversity surveys in the Douala-Edea national park as well as water birds count along the coastal area of Cameroon. His daily tasks consist of transporting teams and materials with outboard engines in marine and estuarine areas, assisting in rural outreach, in inventory and measurement of aquatic forests (mangroves) and in field data collection.

Syamsuar

INDONESIA, FORUM KONSERVASI LEUSER

Syamsuar

INDONESIA, FORUM KONSERVASI LEUSER

Syamsuar is the Leuser Conservation Forum’s (FKL) Project Leader for the Suaq Restoration Project in Aceh Selatan. He has been involved in the conservation of the Leuser Ecosystem for the last 26 years. Previously a research station manager at Sikundur Research Station and Suaq Balimbing Research Station, Syamsuar loves to spend his free time bird-watching and observing wildlife. His colleagues on the frontline nickname Syamsuar “The Professor” because of his vast knowledge on different plants across the Leuser Ecosystem and their relationship with wildlife and humans.

Gregorio Torres García

MEXICO, PRONATURA NORESTE

Gregorio Torres García

MEXICO, PRONATURA NORESTE

Gregorio is from the Ejido Santa Juana, Altamira, Tamaulipas. He is currently working monitoring parrots in the project "Protection of parrots in danger of extinction in Mexico" in the Ejido Santa Juana.

Salome Rivera Vázquez

MEXICO, PRONATURA NORESTE

Salome Rivera Vázquez

MEXICO, PRONATURA NORESTE

Salome is originally from Antiguo Morelos, Tamaulipas. He is currently monitoring parrots in the project "Protection of parrots in danger of extinction in Mexico" at the Rancho Regalo de Dios.

Juan Ramón Díaz del Ángel

MEXICO, PRONATURA NORESTE

Juan Ramón Díaz del Ángel

MEXICO, PRONATURA NORESTE

Juan is originally from Tempoal Veracruz, Mexico. He is currently monitoring parrots in the project "Protection of parrots in danger of extinction in Mexico" at Rancho Los Colorados.

Hermanus van der Ross

SOUTH AFRICA, SATCT

Hermanus van der Ross

SOUTH AFRICA, SATCT

Hermanus van der Ross is a 56-year-old with a wife and four children. Hermanus left school at grade 4 because there was no transport for the kids to go to school in the Karoo. He is a positive person and hard working, who works to support his family.

Pieter Jack

SOUTH AFRICA, SATCT

Pieter Jack

SOUTH AFRICA, SATCT

Pieter Jack is a 24-year-old with a baby daughter. Pieter is a friendly person with a kind personality. He likes cricket as a sport and as a hobby. He is very interested in nature and wants to learn more about conservation.

Angelo Davids

SOUTH AFRICA, SATCT

Angelo Davids

SOUTH AFRICA, SATCT

Angelo Davids is a quiet young person who is interested in sports. He likes to work in nature and is interested in the environment and conservation. His goal is to build a future for himself working on the reserve.

Leon Bitterbos

SOUTH AFRICA, SATCT

Leon Bitterbos

SOUTH AFRICA, SATCT

Leon Bitterbos has two children, a boy and a girl, whom he works to support. Leon is a hard-working person and good with chainsaws, which he uses to clear alien invasives from the reserve.

Jiba Magwaza

SOUTH AFRICA, ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST

Jiba Magwaza

SOUTH AFRICA, ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST

Jiba lives in kwaNdengezi, Durban, South Africa. He has a BSc degree in Geography and Environmental Management from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a Diploma in Project management. Jiba is responsible for coordinating and carrying out much of the social engagement, sustainable development and environmental education necessary for Endangered Wildlife Trust’s work towards protecting the extensive Adam’s Mission wetlands south of Durban. He is a mentor to our Biodiversity Protection Officers who patrol the area and engage with local community members. He has a keen interest in the field of bioacoustics, which is a tool Endangered Wildlife Trust uses to monitor flagship endangered species. His career objective is to grow an outstanding career in the field of environmental management and community development and be able to offer practical solutions to environmental challenges that modern society is faced with, as well to improve the livelihoods of people in both rural and urban areas.

Segundo Baldomiro Balcazar Becerra

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Segundo Baldomiro Balcazar Becerra

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Segundo started his job with Fundación Jocotoco on November 21, 2001. When he started to work for Jocotoco, he built the first trails and collaborated in the creation of nest boxes and bird monitoring. The species he likes the most is the El Oro parakeet.

Solomon Tayim

CAMEROON, ERUDEF

Solomon Tayim

CAMEROON, ERUDEF

Tankoh Solomon Tayim was born in the Besali village adjacent to the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary. He dropped out from secondary school when his father died. As the first male child in his family, it was his responsibility to take care of and support his mother and siblings. It was from this situation that he got involved with the trapping and hunting of animals such as cane rats, porcupine, duikers and bush pig. He also engaged in the cultivation of cocoa and palm to generate income for his family. In 2010 he came in contact with ERuDeF during community sensitizations on the creation of the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary. He then became involved in the conservation project as a bio-monitor and he is currently working as a field guide and community ranger in the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary.

Jacob Adong

CAMEROON, ERUDEF

Jacob Adong

CAMEROON, ERUDEF

Jacob Adong use to be a hunter and trapper. He started hunting at the age of 18, going to the bush with dogs, trapping, chasing and killing animals like cane rats, porcupines, and many others. In December 1993, he later started using guns to hunt larger animals like monkeys, duiker and bush pigs. Little did he know some of these animals have been declared as protected species until he came in contact with ERuDeF in 2004. After that encounter with ERuDeF, Jacob became a wildlife conservation advocate in his community, Bechati, and he is currently working as a field guide and a community ranger in the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary.

Ruben Rivera Vázquez

MEXICO, PRONATURA NORESTE

Ruben Rivera Vázquez

MEXICO, PRONATURA NORESTE

Ruben is originally from Antiguo Morelos, Tamaulipas. He is currently monitoring parrots in the project "Protection of parrots in danger of extinction in Mexico" at the Rancho Regalo de Dios.

Walter Elías Vicente Barrondo

GUATEMALA, FUNDAECO

Walter Elías Vicente Barrondo

GUATEMALA, FUNDAECO

Walter, is one of the forest guards for Fundaeco. Walter was born and raised in a family of
loggers, and when he was only 15 years old, he himself was one of the best loggers in his
community. However, after being invited to visit a nearby protected forest and meeting tourists
who had come to see the forests, he became amazed by the richness of the protected forest
and realized that he had taken his own cloud forest for granted.

Pedro Us Pacheco

GUATEMALA, FUNDAECO

Pedro Us Pacheco

GUATEMALA, FUNDAECO

Pedro has been working with FUNDAECO for a year, but has been working in the forest for 20
years. He used to work with Philip Tanimoto (The Rainforest Trust GIS Officer) as a guide and
helped Philip in the field. Before becoming a field guide Pedro worked as a farmer.

Khathutshelo Mukhumeni

SOUTH AFRICA, ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST

Khathutshelo Mukhumeni

SOUTH AFRICA, ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST

Khathu was born in Zamenkomste village, at the foot of the Soutpansberg Mountain of South Africa’s Limpopo Province. In 2015, he started his working career as part of a reserve maintenance team for Leshiba Game Reserve, in the heart of the western Soutpansberg. In November 2017, he joined the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s, in partnership with the Rainforest Trust, newly formed Soutpansberg Protected Area (SPA) as a Field Ranger. As a SPA Field Ranger, Khathu is tasked with detecting and controlling illegal activities on the reserve, by means of regular patrolling . He also supplies special information of a biological nature as well as perform incidental tasks such as maintenance of infrastructure. Khathu enjoys hiking and playing sports such as soccer and cricket.

Tharollo Mthisi

SOUTH AFRICA, ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST

Tharollo Mthisi

SOUTH AFRICA, ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST

Tharollo was born and raised in Buffelshoek village in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province, adjacent to the iconic Kruger National Park. He started his career in conservation with the Protrack Company where he was trained and deployed as a member of the Anti-Poaching Unit’s Task Team. After two years of service, he joined the Knight Protection Services as a guard for their mining division. However, the African bush kept on calling and in December 2017 he the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s, in partnership with the Rainforest Trust, newly formed Soutpansberg Protected Area (SPA) as a Field Ranger. His key functions as a SPA Field Ranger is, to safeguard the reserve and its wildlife through regular patrols, supplies special information of a biological nature and is also tasked with reserve infrastructure maintenance. Tharollo enjoys exploring nature, running, cooking and playing soccer.

Rajkumar Singh

NEPAL, KTK-BELT

Rajkumar Singh

NEPAL, KTK-BELT

Born in Koshi Tappu, Rajkumar Singh is one of the senior most nature guides of the Reserve. Rajkumar believes deeply in the potential of Koshi Tappu to become one of the preeminent bird reserves in the world and has advocated for its funding for over 18 years. As the chairperson of Kushaha-Lauki Citizen's Committee, he is responsible for ensuring the balance between people and nature across the 173 km2 buffer zone, which has a population of 80,000 people, many of whom live below the poverty line. Rajkumar Singh has participated in species population surveys for the Wild Water Buffalo, Swamp Francolin, Bengal Florican, and Water Birds. He is actively engaged in landscape restoration projects and youth awareness campaigns in the schools of Paschim Kushaha. During his tenure at KTK-BELT, he has played a critical role in the acquisition of a 40-acre property, organized high-level meetings at Koshi Tappu with state and local governing bodies, and led all aspects of a major Bengal Florican Survey in Koshi Tappu.

PHINJU SHERPA

NEPAL, RED PANDA NETWORK

PHINJU SHERPA

NEPAL, RED PANDA NETWORK

Phinju, a senior field technician at Red Panda Network (RPN) became a livestock herder at a tender age and herding cattle in red panda habitat which ultimately impacted the survival of the species. He was unaware of the ecological importance of the red panda. When he met Brian Williams (who later founded RPN) in 2001, he decided to try his hand at becoming a field assistant doing red panda research in Ilam district, eastern Nepal. After that, he has been regularly engaged in the conservation of wildlife. He also has great knowledge of the local medicinal and aromatic Plants. Phinju is responsible for supervising 17 forest guardians in Ilam. More info about Phinju.

WANGCHU BHUTIA

NEPAL, RED PANDA NETWORK

WANGCHU BHUTIA

NEPAL, RED PANDA NETWORK

Wangchu joined Red Panda Network in February 2020 as a Project Coordinator for Eastern Nepal (PIT Corridor). He is originally from Sankhuwasabha and holds a Bachelor's degree in Science. Wangchu started his career in 2008 in the field of grass root biodiversity conservation in remote parts of Nepal. He is interested in small mammal field research work on Red Panda and Pangolin, nature education, nature photography and community based ecotourism for sustainable livelihoods.

RAMESH RAI

NEPAL, RED PANDA NETWORK

RAMESH RAI

NEPAL, RED PANDA NETWORK

Ramesh, a field coordinator, has been working in conservation since 2006. He has excellent skills in mobilizing and training community people. Ramesh manages 34 forest guardians of Taplejung district in eastern Nepal. These forest guardians collect field monitoring data essential in the conservation of the red panda. In his free time, Ramesh enjoys cooking meals and also provides culinary training to the owners of local homestays.

Candido A. Abrina

PHILIPPINES, KATALA FOUNDATION

Candido A. Abrina

PHILIPPINES, KATALA FOUNDATION

Candido is a native from Palawan and resident of the village of Mendoza in Roxas. Before he started working with Katala Foundation, he worked at the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Units (CAFGU) who are volunteers assisting the police and the military in the Philippines. He applied for the position of wildlife enforcement officer because he understands the importance of forests as watersheds. He understands the need to enforce the protection of the protected area to guarantee water and wildlife for current and future generations. After training he got deputized as wildlife enforcement officer (WEO) in December 2018. He is proud to be a WEO.

Ronald Bendico

PHILIPPINES, KATALA FOUNDATION

Ronald Bendico

PHILIPPINES, KATALA FOUNDATION

The forest is Ronald’s home, where he played as a child, and started harvesting resources (illegally) when he became a teenager. He is very familiar with the flora and fauna of the forest in Mendoza. Most, if not all of his relatives are against the protected area and related conservation measures of Katala Foundation in Mendoza. Ronald, however, sees the importance of conservation as he hopes for a better future for his children.

Robert Garganza

PHILIPPINES, KATALA FOUNDATION

Robert Garganza

PHILIPPINES, KATALA FOUNDATION

Robert is a farmer from Mendoza. Before the watershed in Mendoza became protected, he used to hunt wildlife illegally and harvest rattan from the area. He switched to working in the conservation site, as this could provide him with a sustainable/legal income.

Mark Rullan

PHILIPPINES, KATALA FOUNDATION

Mark Rullan

PHILIPPINES, KATALA FOUNDATION

Mark is among the youngest wildlife enforcement officers in Mendoza. Prior to his current work, he worked on a farm and was engaged in the collection of non-forest products – mainly rattan. For him, his job is both a source of income and is tied to conservation outcomes.

Gerald Gabuco

PHILIPPINES, KATALA FOUNDATION

Gerald Gabuco

PHILIPPINES, KATALA FOUNDATION

Gerald is the son of the late Ramito Gabuco, who worked as a Katala Foundation warden until Ramito was killed in a motorbike accident. His mother wanted him to be the successor of his father so that he could support her and his younger siblings. As a former forest user, he is very familiar with wildlife and can provide important information for conservation purposes.

Garry Jardin

PHILIPPINES, KATALA FOUNDATION

Garry Jardin

PHILIPPINES, KATALA FOUNDATION

Garry was born in Mendoza and that is where he is raising his family. He is the only person among the wardens who entered college but had to stop after 3 years when his first child was on its way. He decided to become a warden so that he could stay close to his family while at the same time do something to conserve the remaining forest and its wildlife.

LORETO BARONDA

PHILIPPINES, KATALA FOUNDATION

LORETO BARONDA

PHILIPPINES, KATALA FOUNDATION

Loreto’s parents are from a different province where a different language is spoken but Loreto feels Palaweňo through and through. He is a rather silent and shy person but not when it comes to the protection of forest, watershed and wildlife in Mendoza. Loreto is one of the first who started working with Katala Foundation for the protection of the forest in Mendoza.

Jocelyn Callos

PHILIPPINES, DALUHAY DALOY ng BUHAY

Jocelyn Callos

PHILIPPINES, DALUHAY DALOY ng BUHAY

Jocelyn Callos is a forest guardian and leader who hails from the indigenous community of Diteki in the municipality of San Luis, Aurora Province in the northeast Philippines. As a member of the Alta tribe, she grew up wandering through the thick forests of the central Sierra Madre mountains with her siblings, parents and grandparents. From the elders, she learned about traditional medicines from the wild and was astounded by the presence of spirits that looked after their forests. She has committed herself to protect their ancestral land and be able to assert their rights to manage their resources so the younger generations can continue to enjoy the benefits provided by the forests of her ancestral land.

Junmar Querijero

PHILIPPINES, DALUHAY DALOY ng BUHAY

Junmar Querijero

PHILIPPINES, DALUHAY DALOY ng BUHAY

Jumar belongs to an indigenous group called Alta. He has been leading a team of volunteer forest guards and actively participates in all of Rainforest Trust’s project activities to help protect the Philippine Eagle in their ancestral domain. He is awed by this majestic Haring Ibon or “King of Birds” and believes he has seen one close to their sacred ground, where giant bats roost. After completing training and applying the skills that he learned in environmental law enforcement, participatory resource inventory-taking and 3D mapping in the community of Diteki, he is a proud trainer of other community members.

MICHAEL MODIMANA

SOUTH AFRICA, ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST

MICHAEL MODIMANA

SOUTH AFRICA, ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST

Michael Modimana is a field ranger for the Medike Reserve in the Soutpansberg. He grew up in the Madodonga Village adjacent to the Medike Reserve, where he came to know about Endangered Wildlife Trust and the work they do in the area through the Soutpansberg rangers. He likes nature and when he found out that a position opened at Medike, he excitedly applied! His important work as a ranger keeps him busy, but in his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer, singing gospel music, and relaxing in front of the TV.

PHULUWANI OSCAR MUSEVHULA

SOUTH AFRICA, ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST

PHULUWANI OSCAR MUSEVHULA

SOUTH AFRICA, ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST

Phuluwani is a field ranger on the Du Toit land parcel in the Soutpansberg Mountains. He was born on the farm Rushton, just east of Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Du Toit property, in the heart of the western Soutpansberg. He has been the supervisor on Du Toit for almost five years and knows this mountain and all the aspects regarding the maintenance of this property. He’s grateful towards the EWT for giving him the opportunity to continue protecting this special part of the world, where he has lived most of his life. Although his work keeps him very busy, in his spare time he enjoys wildlife watching and playing soccer.

ADRIANA NARANJO ARRIOLA

COSTA RICA, MISIÓN TIBURÓN

ADRIANA NARANJO ARRIOLA

COSTA RICA, MISIÓN TIBURÓN

Adriana is a marine biologist and conservationist, as well as a scuba diving instructor. She is directly involved in the protection, research and awareness-building of shark conservation activities in the Sanctuary for Scalloped Hammerheads in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica. Since 2019, Adriana has specialized in carrying out educational and training activities with local communities, and assisting during monitoring expeditions of sharks and rays.

OSCAR DANIEL VALENCIA MENESES

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN ECOMINGA

OSCAR DANIEL VALENCIA MENESES

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN ECOMINGA

Oscar Daniel Valencia Meneses is a young man who lives in the town of Gualchán. He loves birds in particular, for their bright colors, striking feathers, magnificent songs and their interesting behavior. There is no better feeling for him than being able to look at birds, contemplate them, admire them and protect them. Oscar is a founding member of the “Ecored Inkal Wanish Kupairus” collective, a Youth in Action for Nature group that was created with the objective of working for the conservation and protection of nature. He believes that this opportunity to work as a park ranger for the Dracula Reserve is one of the most important in his life. He is developing field work protocols, which will allow him to incorporate new knowledge, which can then be imparted to the other members of Ecored.

JEOVANY RODRIGO GUERRA CIFUENTES

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN ECOMINGA

JEOVANY RODRIGO GUERRA CIFUENTES

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN ECOMINGA

Jeovany Rodrigo Guerra Cifuentes lives in Quinshul, next to the Dracula Reserve. He considers himself a serious, honest, responsible and organized person, is able to adapt to different working conditions and always gives his best in any project and to his team. His passion is to work in nature conservation. He has a vested interest in learning and obtaining new knowledge, which has allowed him to work on both personal and professional development.

Maria Dolores Molina

COSTA RICA, MISIÓN TIBURÓN

Maria Dolores Molina

COSTA RICA, MISIÓN TIBURÓN

Maria Dolores Molina, known as Lolita, is a mother, conservation professional, community activist, and advocate for entrepreneurship and the environment. Lola collaborates actively in the educational program of Mision Tiburon in Golfo Dulce. This program aims to promote positive attitudes toward the ocean and conservation through activities with children and students in coastal communities.

Nelson “Beto” González

ECUADOR, FCAT

Nelson “Beto” González

ECUADOR, FCAT

Beto is a highly respected local resident in the Mache-Chindul Reserve that started working with FCAT in 2014. He has co-authored one paper related to diversity of nocturnal birds, such as owls, in forest fragments and was also awarded for the ‘best student paper’ for this work at the IV meeting of the Ecuadorian Ornithological Society. Beto has continued expanding his skill set, and his versatility and flexibility are critical to FCAT’s research scientific projects and community outreach projects.

ADMASU GETANEH

ETHIOPIA, ABCE

ADMASU GETANEH

ETHIOPIA, ABCE

Admasu is from North Shoa, Ethiopia and holds a Diploma in Natural Resource Management. He has been working since 2014 in the Guassa Community Conservation Area as Chief Warden and Head of Community Scouts in collaboration with Afromontane Biodiversity Conservation in Ethiopia (ABCE).

CESAR FLORES JR

BOLIVIA, ASOCIACIÓN ARMONIA

CESAR FLORES JR

BOLIVIA, ASOCIACIÓN ARMONIA

Cesar has worked for Armonía since February 2019 in the artificial nest-box program in the Laney Rickman Blue-throated Macaw Reserve. Cesar has been monitoring Blue-throated Macaw nest boxes together with his father and has learned the techniques necessary to improve and protect breeding habitat for this Critically Endangered species. He is in charge of patrolling the reserve, nest-box monitoring and general maintenance of the reserve.

TONNY MWAMODENYI MWANGÓMBE

KENYA, EAST AFRICA NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

TONNY MWAMODENYI MWANGÓMBE

KENYA, EAST AFRICA NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

Tonny Mwamodenyi Mwangómbe was born and raised in Taita Hills. Since he was young, he was interested in nature conservation. Because of this interest, he studied for a diploma in tourism and hospitality which has enabled him to bring Taita Hills to the globe. His vision is to see Taita Hills forest restored to provide vital ecosystem services to his people, especially clean water. As a Guardian, he is engaged in creating conservation awareness with forest adjacent communities and monitoring Taita Hills biodiversity.

MILTON HUMBERTO CANTINCUZ PASCAL

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN ECOMINGA

MILTON HUMBERTO CANTINCUZ PASCAL

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN ECOMINGA

On February 3, 1979, in an indigenous community of the Awá Nation called Tarabita, located in the rural parish of Tobar Donoso, Carchi province, Ecuador, a child was born who was named Milton Humberto Cantincuz Pascal. At that time, Milton's family was engaged in subsistence hunting for food, an activity widely practiced as part of the Awá worldview that continues to this day. Thus, from a very young age, Milton saw the forest as his home, his source of food and learning. Years passed and the outlook in the community was not very encouraging, with no job opportunities and a great desire to discover what was outside the community. At the age of 17 and without an education, Milton decided to leave the rhythms of the forest behind to look for work in a neighboring community. The La Esperanza community in the rural parish of El Chical, Carchi province, was the destination that welcomed him and brought Milton closer to the world of agriculture. Hired as a day laborer, he dedicated his days to working on naranjilla crops, where he oversaw sowing, harvesting, and transportation of the products.

His incredible physical prowess and the quality of his work were well known in La Esperanza. This was how his fame reached the ears of the ranger manager of the Dracula Reserve, Héctor Yela. Milton then began a new experience, this time in conservation. He began by collaborating on an occasional basis in some activities of the Dracula Reserve.

Those activities were enough to completely change Milton's course. His determination led the EcoMinga Foundation to invite him to be part of the team as a Dracula Reserve ranger. He accepted, and he did not just become part of the team that patrols the reserve, but in the last expeditions, Milton has also shown a special interest in participating and collaborating with the experts; he has had the opportunity to prepare collected rodent skins and monitor amphibians and birds.

Though with some anxiety at the beginning when using equipment, due to his lack of education, Milton constantly receives support and training from the entire EcoMinga team, but there is no doubt, that his desire to learn, his dedication and improvement are contagious and motivating, making his lack of school training irrelevant. Milton has become a nature guardian and is a great example for the community. Today, his work is focused on conserving, monitoring, protecting, and maintaining

WASHINGTON CRESPO

ECUADOR, SUMAC MUYU

WASHINGTON CRESPO

ECUADOR, SUMAC MUYU

Washington Crespo was born into a humble Ecuadorian family, and grew up in the countryside surrounded by fruiting trees and domestic animals. His family worked in cattle ranching and agriculture, where they purchased a plot of land in the Amazon region of Ecuador. Here, they worked with cattle and grew a local fruit called naranjilla. It was in the countryside that Washington started to be interested in nature. However, to protect their business’ productivity, Washington and his father carried on using high amounts of toxic pesticide in order to grow their crops, which, sadly, had a negative effect on his father's health. As a result, their property had to be sold to resolve these health issues.

After performing many different jobs, Washington found a park ranger position at one of Jocotoco Foundation's reserves in the south of Ecuador. It was at this reserve that Washington became more aware of biodiversity conservation, and developed more respect towards all forms of life. Additionally, his son, who is now also following a career in ecological sciences, also helped to educate Washington in the importance of conserving nature.

Today, thanks to Rainforest Trust, Washington has a full-time park ranger' s position with the Sumac Muyu Foundation. He works within the boundaries of Bigal River Biological Reserve, in the Ecuadorian Amazon. For him, it is a new challenge to protect wildlife and the reserve, and one which he has now dedicated his life to.

JOSÉ BAUDILIO CHOCOJ

GUATEMALA, FUNDAECO

JOSÉ BAUDILIO CHOCOJ

GUATEMALA, FUNDAECO

Originally from Tamagás Creek Village, as an active member of the community José has been working since age 22 to conserve the water sources that supply his community. To protect the forests located in the core area of the Jalaute sector in the Sierra Santa Cruz Special Protection Area, he currently works as a resource guardian for FUNDAECO. José conducts environmental education activities, patrols the core area of the protected area, and serves as a translator in activities with indigenous Q’ueqchi-speaking groups.

Dammas Rainufi Mgayachuma

TANZANIA, TANZANIA FOREST CONSERVATION GROUP (TFCG)

Dammas Rainufi Mgayachuma

TANZANIA, TANZANIA FOREST CONSERVATION GROUP (TFCG)

Dammas Rainufi Mgayachuma, known as Mgaya, has worked for more than ten years as a Village Game Scout (VGS), for the Magombera Nature reserve. He is the leader of all four Village Game scouts. He was originally born in Ruaha but now is living in Magombera Village.

CARLOS HUMBERTO RUANO

GUATEMALA, FUNDAECO

CARLOS HUMBERTO RUANO

GUATEMALA, FUNDAECO

Carlos works in the Sierra Santa Cruz protected area, where he leads water recharge monitoring and protection activities. He began his conservation work as president of the community of Sahliá’s water committee in 1986.

Rakotoniaina Jean Claude

MADAGASCAR, MADAGASIKARA VOAKAJY

Rakotoniaina Jean Claude

MADAGASCAR, MADAGASIKARA VOAKAJY

A member of Sohisika Association, Jean Claude is a local community member living in Andranofeno
Sud, a village close to Ankafobe Forest. He is a very motivated community member and participates
in many activities in Ankafobe Forest. He is a close collaborator of Guardian Tahiry on the forest
restoration protocol applications in the field. He also was a team leader of a small team during the
invasive Desmodium removal campaign February and March 2018.

Andriantsalohimisantatra Andon’ny Avo Hermin

MADAGASCAR, MADAGASIKARA VOAKAJY

Andriantsalohimisantatra Andon’ny Avo Hermin

MADAGASCAR, MADAGASIKARA VOAKAJY

Ando joined the Ankafobe team in 2010 after being selected from an appeal project launched by Madagasikara Voakajy to seek a new generation - young people in the area interested in nature and natural heritage conservation. He started working as a guide, maintaining infrastructures for ecotourism, and as an animator for the villagers and fire spotters. Currently, he is leading the Agroforestry project at Ankafobe as well as serving as an active member of the Sohisika Association. While at Ankafobe, his other tasks include monitoring all the indicators for the protected area management plan: birds, infrastructure status, and permanent tree plots.

ALIMAR BAYOT

PHILIPPINES, KATALA FOUNDATION

ALIMAR BAYOT

PHILIPPINES, KATALA FOUNDATION

Twenty-six year old Alimar Bayot until recently earned his livelihood illegally cutting and selling timber and rattan from the forest in Sitio Maligaya and hunting wild boar. In early 2017, his life changed when he was hired as labor to fence Palawan Forest Turtle Reserve in Maligaya. After three months, he was encouraged by the foreman to apply as a guardian for the Palawan Forest Turtle Reserve, which he did without hesitation. Now, after more than one year of working as a guardian, he is certain he made the right decision at the right time. He hopes to inspire his three children to never depend on exploiting the forest but to be able to appreciate the free services that nature provides them.

Harol Puama

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN EcoHABITATS

Harol Puama

COLOMBIA, FUNDACIÓN EcoHABITATS

Harol Puama belongs to the Eperara Siapidaara ethnic group, an indigenous group from Colombia in the biogeographic Choco. He leads the community monitoring program of the most poisonous frog in the world "Golden Dart Frog (Phyllobates terribilis) or Kokoi frog in his indigenous SIA language, which is threatened with extinction. He spends most of his time monitoring the populations of this frog in the Kokoi euja Reserve (Golden Dart Frog Territory). He is an expert in the identification and monitoring of the frog and now shares his knowledge with other young people to help the Eperarara indigenous people continue to conserve their Nature Reserve. The Ecohabitats Foundation is very proud of the work of the communities for the proper management of their protected area, the Kokoi Euja Natural Reserve.

Jean Valère Kouassi Attoungbre

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Jean Valère Kouassi Attoungbre

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Jean Valère is a manioc farmer and, since 2013, a CEM Ecoguard working on sea turtle conservation in the village of Pitiké.

Geremie Hie Kla

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Geremie Hie Kla

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

A fisherman and former sea turtle poacher, today, he is a CEM beach team Ecoguard focusing on sea turtle conservation in the village of Mani.

Ramahefamanana M. Narindra

MADAGASCAR, MADAGASIKARA VOAKAJY

Ramahefamanana M. Narindra

MADAGASCAR, MADAGASIKARA VOAKAJY

Tahiry has been an associate researcher in the Ankafobe Forest since 2012. He is affiliated with the
Sohisika Association and is from the local community, living in Andranofeno Sud, a village close to
Ankafobe. His main task at Ankafobe is to assist visiting researchers in their studies. His other
responsibilities include invasive species eradication, monitoring forest restoration experiments in the
field under the supervision of the ecological restoration leader, monitoring permanent plots of
Ankafobe forest and performing as team leader of the fire rangers. Tahiry is passionate about science,
often assists local seed collectors and is skilled in phenology monitoring.

Ignace Guy Guiro

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Ignace Guy Guiro

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Ignace has worked as a tree planter since 2004, and in 2014 became a CEM Ecoguard focusing on sea turtle conservation in the village of Klotou.

Emmanuel Hino Guirobo

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Emmanuel Hino Guirobo

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

He is a resident tree planter and CEM Ecoguard concentrating on sea turtle conservation in the village of Roc.

Augustin Nean Tagba

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Augustin Nean Tagba

CÔTE D'IVOIRE, CONSERVATION DES ESPÈCES MARINES

Augustin is a manager of a small shop in the village of Kablaké and a CEM beach team Ecoguard concentrating on sea turtle conservation.

Kamala Rai

NEPAL, KTK-BELT

Kamala Rai

NEPAL, KTK-BELT

Kamala Rai, originally from Pawakhola, Nepal, is a social mobilizer at KTK BELT. She has more than 8 years of experience as a social mobilizer in FECOFUN, while also working in a women empowerment program for 18 months and a natural resource conflict transformation program for 6 years. Kamala is most interested in documenting local culture, flora and fauna.

Kala Rai

NEPAL, KTK-BELT

Kala Rai

NEPAL, KTK-BELT

Kala Rai, originally from Nivare, Pawakhola, is a part-time school teacher and youth fellow at KTK BELT. She has more than 5 years experience in teaching and 2 years in sociological data collection and household surveying. She is interested in generating knowledge and implementation in the field of conservation education and sustainable livelihood.

Khija Bhote

NEPAL, KTK-BELT

Khija Bhote

NEPAL, KTK-BELT

Khija Bhote, a 53-year-old social worker from Chyamtang village in Sankhuwasabha, is the Secretary of the Chomolungma Community Forest User Group. Bhote is well known for his contributions to society, culture, landscapes and trail building in his native Chepuwa VDC. He has worked as a social mobilizer for the Upper Arun Valley Development and Conservation Society and as a social mobilizer in the Lumbasumba Conservation Project.

Ijo Romestre

MADAGASCAR, MICET

Ijo Romestre

MADAGASCAR, MICET

Romestre is a ranger for the Lost Rainforest Project in Ivohibory. He is very interested in his work as a ranger and always wants to improve his knowledge and skills of his job. He has great leadership skills and a passion for what he is doing.

Ratan Aagre

INDIA, AERF

Ratan Aagre

INDIA, AERF

Ratan Aagre patrols the Prachitgad Community Reserve. He belongs to the Gawli Dhanagar community and has in-depth knowledge about animal movement and important wildlife habitats. A farmer by profession, Ratan is an expert in identifying animal signs and tracks, which is helpful for the camera trapping and wildlife monitoring work of Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF).

Suresh Bavdhane

INDIA, AERF

Suresh Bavdhane

INDIA, AERF

Suresh Bavdhane works as a tourist guide in the reserve and a forest guard with Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF). He is a local person of Nayri village, which is next to the Tiware project. His house is close to the Tiware forest and he spends most of his time within it. He is an expert in identifying trails and wildlife using his traditional knowledge. He also has good knowledge of medicinal plants and their traditional uses for humans, as well as for cattle.

Tsering Dorje

NEPAL, KTK-BELT

Tsering Dorje

NEPAL, KTK-BELT

Tsering is a 28-year-old energetic youth from Pawakhola, Nepal. Currently working as an office helper in a local school, he is an enthusiast of learning and exploring new things. He has been a practicing pastoralist in higher elevations of Pawakhola since his childhood, and as a result, he is well-versed in the local landscape, flora and fauna. His role is to give technical assistance in camera trap setting and wildlife monitoring.

Kuang Htet Paing

MYANMAR, FRIENDS OF WILDLIFE (FOW)

Kuang Htet Paing

MYANMAR, FRIENDS OF WILDLIFE (FOW)

Kuang Htet Paing is very interested in community relations and thei participation in conservation. With the support of Rainforest Trust, he organizes community engagement meetings, education awareness events, joint-patrolling efforts, etc. at Mahamyaing Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kyaw Min Tun

MYANMAR, FRIENDS OF WILDLIFE (FOW)

Kyaw Min Tun

MYANMAR, FRIENDS OF WILDLIFE (FOW)

Kyaw Min Tun, also know as KMT, received a Master’s degree in Zoology in 2017, after which he joined FOW. He first worked with the Sustainable Fishery Management Project in Indawgyi Lake. He then transferred to Mahamyaing WS, a project supported by Rainforest Trust, where he participates in wildlife surveys.

Zayar Soe

MYANMAR, FRIENDS OF WILDLIFE (FOW)

Zayar Soe

MYANMAR, FRIENDS OF WILDLIFE (FOW)

Zayar Soe has worked for FOW since 2013. He is involved in several project sites and is especially good in the fields of wildlife surveying, patrolling, etc. He also enjoys studying birds.

Razafimahafalisoa Emilien

MADAGASCAR, MICET

Razafimahafalisoa Emilien

MADAGASCAR, MICET

Emilien is a ranger for the Lost Rainforest Project in Ivohibory. He is very dynamic, and he enjoys learning how to use the tools that are needed during patrolling. He is also skilled in communicating with the local community.

Randrianantenaina Boba Gervais

MADAGASCAR, MICET

Randrianantenaina Boba Gervais

MADAGASCAR, MICET

Boba is a Ranger for the Lost Rainforest Project in Ivohibory from the western part of the forest. He is convinced about his work and really wish to expand his knowledge around the monitoring and patrolling. He is also very motivated to carried out awareness program with villagers.

Leovigildo Cabrera

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

Leovigildo Cabrera

ECUADOR, FUNDACIÓN JOCOTOCO

During the time he has worked at Fundación Jocotoco, he has participated in activities such as the construction of nest boxes, research, bird monitoring, property measurement and some infrastructure work. Leovigildo loves the biodiversity that exists in the Buenaventura Reserve, both birds and mammals. He is interested in bird monitoring and wildlife research opportunities offered by the Buenaventura forest. The birds that he likes the most are the eagles, such as the Ornate Hawk-eagle.

Aung Pwint Soe

MYANMAR, FRIENDS OF WILDLIFE (FOW)

Aung Pwint Soe

MYANMAR, FRIENDS OF WILDLIFE (FOW)

Aung Pwint Soe is currently the project officer at Mahamyaing Wildlife Sanctuary, a project supported by Rainforest Trust. He has been working at FOW since 2010 and previously worked as a project assistant at other sites, such as Inle Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Chatthin Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. He is good with community relations, and he is involved in wildlife surveys for species such as Eld’s deer and Gibbon.

Vinayak Sawant

INDIA, AERF

Vinayak Sawant

INDIA, AERF

A local person from the Tiware village, Vinayak Sawant works as a forest guard with Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF). Engaged in patrolling of the protected area near his village, he has been trained in the handling of trail cameras for wildlife monitoring. He also has knowledge of important medicinal plants from the reserve and helps the field team in tracking trails and identifying local names of flora and fauna. A farmer by profession, in 2016 Vinayak was the first Forest Watcher appointed for the Tiware Ghera Prachitgad project.

IN MEMORIAM

Ramito D. Gabuco
Wildlife Enforcement Officer
Katala Foundation Inc., Philippines
December 23, 1968 – September 21, 2018

Wildlife Enforcement Officer for Katala Foundation Inc (KFI) Ramito D. Gabuco passed away on September 21, 2018. Ramito and his wife Fatima were on their way to the hospital in Roxas to visit their uncle when their motorbike was struck by a delivery van. Fatima sustained minor injuries while Ramito tragically died at the scene.

When KFI first met Ramito, he and his family used the forest to meet a great deal of their needs. They had claimed government-owned land to expand their farm to support their eight children, but when the local government expressed interest in establishing a protected area to guarantee future water supply and maintain biodiversity in Mendoza, Ramito voluntarily abandoned the part of his farm that was in the proposed protected area. He did not hesitate to accept the position of guardian of the forest when KFI made the offer. Ramito was trained and deputized as a Wildlife Enforcement Officer in October 2017 when the protected area was established, and regularly patrolled the property thereafter. Generally, the transition from forest user to protector is a lengthy process but Ramito was quick to recognize the importance of conservation. He was one of the most industrious of the eight wardens, always having the most number of duty days per month. Ramito will be remembered for his friendly, easy-going manner, always ready with a smile and laugh.

The KFI team is in deep mourning. Rainforest Trust extends our condolences to Ramito’s family, the KFI team and the global forest guardian community of which Ramito was part. They are true conservation heroes working tirelessly to preserve and protect threatened habitats and the plants, animals and communities that rely on them.