With the frightening die-off of animals across the globe due to avian influenza, WCS is calling for governments internationally to treat this growing crisis with the urgency it demands. As we continue to monitor the death of innumerable species and track the movement of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) into mammal populations, we must strengthen the focus on integrating the surveillance of emerging influenza clades in wild birds and mammals to support critical vaccine libraries.

The UK Biodiverse Landscapes Fund is a global initiative covering six valuable biodiversity hotspots around the world. In Mesoamerica it will invest up to approximately US$19 million over the next six years. In Guatemala and Honduras, the fund will cover the areas of the Mayan Jungle, Trifinio and Mosquitia.

If we consider historical patterns during El Niño years, particularly the effects observed in Mesoamerica during dry and fire seasons, we could anticipate consequences for this year similar to those experienced in previous critical moments. For example, in 1998, El Niño contributed to one of the most severe fire seasons, devastating large areas of the Maya Forest, affecting biodiversity and exposing communities to critical levels of smoke pollution.

As an organization dedicated to conservation, we enthusiastically celebrate World Wildlife Day. From the oceans, to forests, to the most remote places, we collaborate with local organizations, communities and governments to conserve and protect wildlife. Under this year's motto,“Connecting people and the planet: Exploring digital innovation in wildlife conservation”, we want to highlight how technology has become an essential tool in our work by sharing some examples of this:

The “Joint NABC Bird Banding Certification and Bird Genoscape Project Workshop with an introduction to Motus” was held with the participation of more than 25 bird specialists from Belize, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Spain and the United States of America. Spanish, English and Creole were heard, but everyone comes together for a common cause: understanding the ecology of birds through their complete annual biological cycle and identifying migratory routes, in order to improve conservation strategies.   

On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we highlight the work of Anna, Francis, Sofía, and Yamira from the Mesoamerica and Caribbean program of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). Their sensitivity and passion exemplify a commitment to nature, communities, and wildlife. At WCS, we take pride in having a strong team of women in the field of science. Get to know them!

On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we highlight the work of Anna, Francis, Sofía, and Yamira from the Mesoamerica and Caribbean program of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). Their sensitivity and passion exemplify a commitment to nature, communities, and wildlife. At WCS, we take pride in having a strong team of women in the field of science. Get to know them!

Chuck Carr, or “Don Chuck” as he was known throughout Mesoamerica, passed away January 21, 2024, and WCS lost one of the founding members of its conservation programs. He was such a special person who took his work seriously, and who dedicated his entire life to making this planet a better place for wildlife and humanity.

The 5 Great Forests of Mesoamerica serve as the world's green lungs, playing a critical role in carbon capture and climate stability. This initiative showcases that collaborative and sustainable investment can serve as catalysts for conserving natural resources and stimulating economic growth. These experiences and stakeholders provide us with valuable lessons, serving as role models in our pursuit of a sustainable and equitable future for our planet.

La Moskitia, also known as "The Central American Amazon," stands as the binational forest that has suffered the most substantial loss of forest cover in Mesoamerica. According to the “Human Footprint Analysis" conducted by WCS, La Moskitia has witnessed an alarming decrease of approximately 30% in forest cover over the past 15 years, primarily due to illegal land encroachment and extensive cattle ranching.