Camera trapping

January 10, 2022

One of the many countries we work in to protect jaguars is Belize! In this blog, learn from our Belize Program Director Bart Harmsen about the history of the program, the challenges of camera trapping in the country and our goals for the future. You’ll get a unique glimpse into the mysterious world of Central America’s jaguars. 

One of Panthera's strategies for protecting wild cats is utilizing new technology to improve our eyes on the wild through customized cameras that help detect poachers. These cameras, called PoacherCams, are helping us fight back in real-time against the threat of poaching of wild cats like tigers and lions. This year we’re introducing the newest, and best, version yet of our successful tech used to identify and catch poachers.

As hurricane season rips through the U.S. again, I worry about what the elements will do across the Central American Caribbean range of jaguars. I’m reminded of the devastating effects of last year’s Hurricane Earl, which razed trees and trails housing jaguars in Belize’s Cockscomb Basin.

Just before that storm hit, we reported that two little vulnerable cubs were seen on camera trap images. We were relieved to discover they — and their mother — made it through.

The lion is the so-called King of the Jungle; legend has it that a lion’s glare is fierce enough to send monkeys, wildebeest and even leopards scurrying for shelter. But as an American wildlife biologist with a rebellious streak, I’ve heard stories that make me question the lion’s undisputed dominance, especially over the carnivore next in line for the throne: the leopard.