JAPU Foundation is committed to the protection, restoration, and conservation of the Tropical Dry Forest (TDF) and other ecosystems in western Ecuador. Focusing on preserving key species, such as the jaguar (*Panthera onca*) and the puma (*Puma concolor*), through advanced scientific research, habitat restoration, and the creation of ecological corridors, it is actively engaged in mitigating human-wildlife conflict, combating the illegal wildlife trade, promoting participatory science, and empowering local communities to become guardians of their natural environment.
The Project
Fundación JAPU will run a year-long family education programme in Ecuador’s dry forest to help households coexist safely with ocelots and margays without resorting to retaliation.
The Issue
In the small dry-forest community of El Mamey, losing poultry to wild cats is a real economic blow for families, which can quickly turn into fear or retaliation against ocelots and margays confirmed to be sharing the same land
The Project
Building on existing predator-proof poultry units and non-retaliation commitments, JAPU will deliver six family field days plus monthly follow-up combining camera-trap stories, forest walks and practical household coexistence learning.
The Impact
By December 2027, the project aims to embed safer, non-retaliatory household practices across participating families using JAPU’s existing community relationships.
