The Chocó–Darién region, straddling the border between Panamá and Colombia, is a region of profound ecological significance, especially for the largest feline in the Americas—the jaguar.
Tragically, this region faces severe threats from expanding cattle ranching and teak plantations. The once lush tropical landscape is now dominated by vast, arid pastures. Deforestation has fragmented the jaguar’s habitat, leaving isolated patches of forest that are vital for their survival.
These forest fragments are increasingly threatened by encroaching ranching and timber activities, which reduce available prey and increase human-wildlife conflict. The shrinking and fragmentation of their habitat not only limits the jaguar’s movement but also decreases genetic diversity, jeopardizing their long-term survival.
Linking Indigenous Protected Areas for Jaguars and Other Species
Saving Nature is collaborating with Endangered Rainforest Rescue to establish a river corridor linking indigenous protected areas in Panamá. By creating a corridor, the project enhances habitat connectivity and supports biodiversity conservation in the region.
Our goal is to establish a viable transit corridor between protected areas that will not be vulnerable to deforestation pressures from the surrounding areas. Given the active deforestation in the area, we are implementing a strategy to safeguard the corridor.
Our initiative capitalizes on Panamá’s legal protections that prevent clear-cutting along the river to connect forests preserved by local indigenous communities. By anchoring the corridor along the river, we minimize the impacts of deforestation in the surrounding area and ensure its sustainability.
The River Corridor Goal
Phase 1
Corridor Goal
200 ha (494 acres)
Total Cost
$600,000
Funds Raised to Date
$250,000
Support Needed
$350,000
THE JAGUAR CORRIDOR
Protecting these critical forest areas and creating wildlife corridors are essential to ensure the jaguar’s continued presence and to maintain the ecological balance of the Chocó–Darién region.
In addition to the jaguar, the Chocó–Darién region supports 168 mammal species, including the critically endangered brown-headed spider monkey and Baird’s tapir, alongside 99 reptile species, 78 amphibians, and thousands of invertebrates.
The region is also a birding haven, hosting 600 bird species, among them the endangered great green macaws and Baudo oropendulas, and 30 species found nowhere else.
The Chocó-Darién region of Panamá, renowned for its rich biodiversity, is being dismantled by human activities, leaving behind a degraded and fragmented landscape.
Deforestation and Forest Fragmentation: Rampant deforestation and forest fragmentation are major issues, driven primarily by agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure development. These activities reduce the size of the forested areas and disrupt the ecological balance.
Cattle Ranching and Teak Plantations: The conversion of forested land into cattle ranching areas and teak plantations further exacerbates habitat loss. These land uses not only reduce forest cover but also fragment remaining habitats, making it difficult for wildlife to find suitable living spaces.
Climate Change: Climate change impacts the region through altered precipitation patterns and increased temperatures, which can exacerbate the effects of deforestation and habitat loss.
For a visual representation of deforestation over time in the region, you can explore the interactive Global Forest Watch map here.
The Chocó-Darién moist forests ecoregion, spanning western Colombia and eastern Panama, stands out for its extraordinary biodiversity and ecological importance. This lowland region, positioned between the Pacific Ocean and the western Andes, ranks among the planet’s most biologically diverse areas. We share some highlights below:
600 Birds Species, including the Harpy Eagle, black-crowned antpitta, great green macaw, and Baudo oropendula.
168 Mammal Species including Jaguar, Baird’s tapir, and Geoffroy’s spider monkey.
8,000 Plant Species, including 1,600 endemic species found nowhere else on earth.
97 Reptile Species. , including American crocodile, Green iguana.
97 Amphibian Species. , including the poison Dart frog.
Aligned with our commitment to building local capacity for long-term success, we have partnered with Endangered Rainforest Rescue, a pioneering organization led by women and indigenous communities, dedicated to conserving and restoring the ecological corridor of the Americas—specifically the Darién Gap in Panamá.
Established in 2022 by Alexandra Climent, Endangered Rainforest Rescue focuses on the restoration of endangered tropical tree species within this crucial region. Alexandra Climent has spearheaded expeditions into the Darién to collect seeds of native hardwoods for reforestation efforts. Collaborating with several indigenous communities and dedicated individuals, the organization has successfully reforested thousands of endangered trees on an organic protected farm in Central Panamá. This partnership underscores our shared mission to support women-led and indigenous-led conservation initiatives, advancing sustainable environmental restoration and protection in one of the world’s most vital ecological regions.
HELP RECONNECT PANAMÁ'S FORESTS
Reduce human-wildlife conflict with wildlife corridors