Climate change has intensified drought periods across the Mesoamerican region, severely affecting local ecosystems. In northern Guatemala, in protected areas such as Laguna del Tigre National Park and Mirador-Río Azul National Park, water scarcity is having a direct impact on wildlife. “During the dry season, many natural watering holes dry up completely. This significantly reduces the chances of survival for many species,” explains Rony García-Anleu, director of the Biological Research Department for the Guatemala Program of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
To address this issue, artificial watering holes have been installed at key locations in protected areas within both parks. Built with durable materials to withstand the harsh jungle conditions, they are placed in areas critical for wildlife, taking into account the logistical challenges of transporting water to such remote locations.
Still used during the rainy season
Although these structures were originally designed to mitigate the effects of drought, many species have been documented using them even during the rainy season. This suggests that access to water remains limited in some areas, or that the artificial watering holes have become integrated into the animals’ habitual landscape—underscoring their long-term value as a conservation tool.
To assess their effectiveness, all artificial watering holes are monitored using camera traps. The images captured show a high diversity of visitors: Baird’s tapirs (Tapirus bairdii) cooling off, troops of spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) approaching cautiously, pumas (Puma concolor) prowling quietly, jaguars (Panthera onca) patrolling the area, and even the majestic king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) descending to drink. Other elusive species such as margays (Leopardus wiedii) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) have also been recorded.
These records provide valuable insights into wildlife behavior under water-stress conditions and how animals respond to practical, science-based conservation interventions.
Artificial watering holes are not a permanent solution, but they do offer critical relief for numerous species during vulnerable moments. This strategy is part of an adaptive conservation approach and highlights the urgent need to protect biodiversity in the face of shifting climate dynamics.
This measure was implemented by the Foundation for Ecodevelopment and Conservation (FUNDAECO), the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), and the Center for Conservation Studies of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala (CECON-USAC) in Mirador-Río Azul National Park and the Naachtun-Dos Lagunas Biotope, and by WCS with the support of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Laguna del Tigre National Park.
Collaboration has been key to making these efforts possible, reaffirming the shared commitment to protecting the Maya Forest—one of the most important tropical forests in the Americas.