News

What began as a few photographs of turtles in Proyecto Tití’s reserve led researchers to discover a thriving population of the endemic Dahl’s toad-headed turtle, revealing new insights into its behavior, reproduction, and habitat use. This unexpected finding demonstrates that protecting and restoring tropical dry forest for cotton-top tamarins also provides critical refuge for many other species, highlighting the broader impact of conservation efforts.

We share the story of how we are restoring forests within Los Titíes de San Juan Forest Reserve and creating new hope for the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin. Through the experience of community member Salvador Vásquez, we reflect on how restoration is not only about planting trees, but also about reconnecting forests, protecting wildlife, and inspiring people to care for the future of their land. This is a story about resilience, community, and the power of hope growing one tree at a time.

Proyecto Tití’s investment in small business development in rural communities demonstrates how strengthening local livelihoods can also help protect the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin and the forests where they live. By providing training and mentorship, families are building sustainable futures while becoming proud guardians of the cotton-top tamarin, a species found only in Colombia.

Students in Grade 7D at Institución Educativa Víctor Zubiría transformed Proyecto Tití’s cotton-top tamarin stories into creative comics, combining language arts, storytelling, and conservation education. Through reading, writing, and visual storytelling, they explored the importance of protecting the tropical dry forest while discovering the power of media to inspire environmental action.

Third-grade students in San Juan Nepomuceno created a video to share what they’ve learned about cotton-top tamarins and how they can help protect them, connecting classroom learning to their local environment. Through this experience, they are becoming young ambassadors for wildlife conservation, showing that even children can play an important role in protecting their community’s natural heritage.