Save Guatemalan Wildlife and Biodiversity!!!

Guatemala is a critical haven for some of the planet's most endangered wild animals and ecosystems. ARCAS, recognizing the urgency of the situation, is at the forefront of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing wild animals seized from traffickers. These rescued creatures, some found nowhere else on Earth, are not only a testament to the country's unique biodiversity but also a reminder of the threats these habitats face.

Illegal trafficking poses a significant threat to global wildlife populations, with Guatemala serving as a hotspot. The Maya Biosphere Reserve, the largest remaining forest area in Mesoamerica, is particularly vulnerable, being a prime source of trafficked animals. Along the Pacific coast, sea turtles and yellow-naped parrots are targeted by traffickers. Compounded by a lack of resources within the government, ARCAS plays a pivotal role in supporting enforcement activities to safeguard these precious habitats.

This progress report updates you on our ongoing crowdfunding campaign, focusing on covering the essential needs of animals undergoing rehabilitation and managing protected areas in Peten, the Pacific coast, and the highlands of Guatemala. ARCAS, in collaboration with government authorities, rescues and releases wild animals confiscated from traffickers. On November 8th, a significant release event saw the liberation of various species, including raccoons, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, opossums, woodpeckers, short-tailed hawks, bat falcons, pygmy owls, toucanets, vermiculated owls, margays, and grey foxes.

Beyond land-based efforts, this project also lends support to ARCAS's sea turtle conservation program at Hawaii Park. In 2023 alone, ARCAS successfully released over 2000 olive ridley hatchlings into the Pacific Ocean, contributing to the preservation of marine biodiversity.

You can see details about these wildlife releases on ARCAS social media

Our overarching goal is to conserve Guatemala's biodiversity, securing this rich legacy for generations to come. The project actively promotes sustainable practices such as ecotourism, birdwatching, and handicrafts production, offering ways to benefit from biodiversity without jeopardizing its existence. With animal-based tourism on the rise in Guatemala, proper management can pave the way for a sustainable economic alternative for future generations. Moreover, protected areas play a crucial role in providing essential environmental services and contribute to mitigating climate change.

Your support in this crowdfunding initiative is not just a contribution; it's an investment in the preservation of Guatemala's natural wonders and the establishment of a sustainable, harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the conservation landscape of Guatemala.

Gratefully,

The ARCAS Team