The Mamoni River Valley is home to four small villages: San José de Madroño, El Valle, La Zahina, and Mamoní Arriba. Together, these communities comprise an estimated population of around 500 residents. Covering an area of 115 square kilometers, the Valley encompasses privately owned and protected lands, making it a haven for numerous plant and animal species. Here, Kaminando is redefining the relationship between landowners and the predators that share their habitat.

In collaboration with our partners, Amigos del Bosque and Mamoni Valley Preserve, we engage directly with landowners to alleviate the concerns that often arise from the presence of large predators, such as jaguars. Jaguars and other cat species are often perceived as threats to livestock and safety, leading to conflicts that can have deadly consequences for these magnificent cats. Kaminando seeks to change this narrative by fostering understanding and respect through innovative strategies. We use camera traps placed on private lands to capture images of jaguars and other felids. These images not only provide valuable data for our conservation efforts but also offer a glimpse into the daily lives of these animals.

Our goal is to cultivate a sense of pride and stewardship among landowners. When a landowner discovers that their property serves as a corridor for jaguars, their view of these animals shifts from seeing them as a threat to recognizing them as an asset. To further incentivize participation, Kaminando has established a payment system: for each photograph captured by the camera traps, the organization compensates the landowner. This model not only offers financial benefits but also fosters a collaborative partnership in wildlife conservation.