SIX OCELOTS SIGHTED IN OAXACA’S COASTAL FORESTS PROTECTED BY COMMUNITIES!
March 26, 2025
A Conservation Victory in Oaxaca
Big news from the wilds of Oaxaca!!
As part of our Wildlife Monitoring Program using camera traps, we recently captured something incredible: six ocelots within the Mascalco Voluntarily Designated Conservation Area (ADVC), a site we help protect along the coast of Oaxaca. These elusive and threatened felines are rarely seen, making this discovery a powerful testament to the success of conservation efforts in the region.
These elusive and endangered cats are a rare sight, making this discovery a powerful testament to the success of conservation efforts in the region.
At first, our Wildlands team believed our cameras hidden in the rainforest had captured just two individuals, a male and a female. However, after carefully analyzing their unique spot patterns, we confirmed that what we thought was a pair was actually an entire group of six ocelots—two males and four females.
“Each record like this fills us with hope and confirms that when we protect these places, nature finds a way to invigorate and amaze us.”
– Rafael Paredes Montesinos, Wildlands Manager
This is a huge milestone for wildlife conservation in Mexico and a sign that our protected forests are providing a thriving and secure habitat for these incredible animals.
Why Ocelots Matter
Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) are medium-sized wild cats known for their striking, spotted coats and secretive nature.
They play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance by regulating populations of prey such as rodents, birds, and reptiles. Their presence is a key indicator of healthy, well-preserved habitats, as they thrive in areas with high biodiversity. By moving across different territories, they enhance landscape connectivity and genetic diversity.
As an umbrella species, protecting them benefits countless other species that share their environment. Beyond their ecological importance, ocelots also hold cultural significance, serving as a symbol of Latin America’s rich natural heritage.
The presence of six ocelots in the ADVC Mascalco—protected and managed by the Communal Lands of San Pedro Huamelula, in collaboration with WILDCOAST and CONANP—proves that these forests are fulfilling their ecological role by providing a safe haven for wildlife, supporting hunting, reproduction, and species development. To ensure the long-term survival of these felines and other species, it is essential to maintain and expand these conservation areas.
Community and Conservation: A Powerful Partnership
This effort is carried out in partnership with the Communal Lands of San Pedro Huamelula and the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP). Their commitment to conservation is making a real difference, ensuring that these forests remain intact and continue to be home to ocelots, jaguars, and many other species.
By working hand in hand with local communities, we strengthen environmental stewardship and create long-term solutions for biodiversity protection. Sustainable conservation is not just about protecting land, it’s about fostering a deep connection between people and the natural world.
A Moment to Celebrate (and Keep the Momentum Going)
Discoveries like this remind us why conservation matters. Seeing these six ocelots thrive is nature’s way of giving us a high-five—it’s proof that when we protect wild places, wildlife responds.
But our work is far from over. Threats to ocelots and their habitats remain real, and continued support is essential to safeguard these wild spaces. Whether through habitat protection, restoration projects, or community-led conservation, every effort counts in keeping our wild places truly wild.
Want to be part of this success story? Your support ensures that we can continue protecting endangered species like the ocelot and the ecosystems they call home. Together, we can keep the good news coming!
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