CWC-Belize: Ix Jaguar Project
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The Ix Jaguar Project was founded by Dr. Marcella Kelly in 1998. With dedication and growth came CWC.
27/08/2026
“I heard you’ve been asking about me?” 👀🦌
One of our red brocket deer getting up close and personal with the camera trap! These forest-dwellers can be difficult to observe in person, which is why camera traps give us such a valuable window into their lives. 🌿📸
For the past few months, our work has taken us from deploying, checking, and taking down camera traps, to clearing trails, to working alongside our dear friends, partners, and volunteers from Belize and abroad. But just as important as collecting the data is making sure that what we learn makes its way back to the people who help make this work possible. 🌿🐾
Over the past month, we’ve had the opportunity to share research findings from several of our team members who have successfully defended their theses. Bringing those results back to the people working on the ground and standing on the front lines of conservation has brought us joy in more ways than one.
There is something incredibly special about seeing the pride people feel when they see how their hard work in the field has contributed to a greater understanding of Belize’s wildlife. That connection is something we carry with us everywhere we go, and it is what makes this work truly meaningful.
Whether we’re looking at jaguar and puma occupancy or diving into the data on Belize’s brocket deer species, none of this research happens in a vacuum. It is built on collaboration.
A massive thank you to The Rufford Foundation for funding our brocket deer research and helping us better understand the full picture of predator–prey dynamics.
And to our incredible partners, the Belize Forest Department, the dedicated rangers and teams at the Belize Maya Forest Trust, Programme for Belize, the Sylvester community, and so many others...thank you for standing on the front lines of conservation and continuing to support these collaborative efforts.
Because collecting the data is only part of the story. Science isn’t complete until it is communicated and shared with the people who help make it possible. 💚🌎
🔊 Sound on for this one! 🐆🎶
This jaguar decided to get comfortable and make sure the whole forest knew he was around!
Jaguars aren’t always silent, secretive cats. They use a variety of vocalizations to communicate with other jaguars, whether advertising their presence to let other cats know that this patch of forest is occupied or communicating with a potential mate.
We can’t know exactly who this handsome guy was talking to…but hopefully someone out there was listening! 👀💛
Caught in Rio Bravo Hillbank.
CameraTrap
19/08/2026
Just lounging in front of the camera… and giving us the perfect view of those toe beans! 🐆🐾😍
“One of our handsome male jaguars looking completely relaxed. Honestly, we could admire those paws all day. 💛
18/08/2026
Captured this pretty pair on the road in Rio Bravo La Milpa 🥰🐾
15/08/2026
Happy Felid Friday 😻🐾
13/08/2026
Our last group for the 2026 GBMF survey! 📸🌿
This crew got to check camera stations, tackle trail maintenance, conduct outreach, and kick off take-down efforts as we wrapped up this year’s fieldwork. Along the way, we managed to squeeze in a few excursions and plenty of fun, too!
09/08/2026
🦊 Sunday plans: absolutely nothing.
This gray fox found the perfect spot in front of one of our camera traps to relax and remind us that the weekend isn’t over just yet. 😴🌿
Take a little time to rest before Monday rolls around. 🐾
While mom is not as interested, her little jaguar stopped to get a closer look at the strange box in the forest. Young jaguars have a lot to learn as they follow their mothers through their home…and apparently investigating camera traps is part of the curriculum! 🐾🌿
One waterhole. Two incredible encounters. After sharing the jaguar yesterday, today it’s these two pumas…both captured by the same camera trap. A reminder of how important these water sources are for wildlife. 🌿
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Placencia