Today we want to spotlight the incredible work of our teammate Claribeth and the amazing women of Proyecto Tití, who plays a vital role in protecting Colombia’s tropical dry forest through science, dedication, and careful observation.

At the nursery of the Los Titíes de San Juan Forest Reserve, Claribeth is responsible for the processing, storage, and data management of seeds that will either be planted in germination beds or preserved in our seed bank for future restoration efforts. Today we are highlighting Claribeth’s work with a remarkable native tree species known locally as “Carreto” (Aspidosperma polyneuron). This species is especially important because it is part of the tropical dry forest ecosystem, provides benefits for wildlife like the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin, and is classified by the IUCN as Endangered. Claribeth has been asking a key scientific question: What is the best way to store these seeds so they remain viable and achieve an acceptable  germination rate? Through hands-on experience, she has learned that success begins with one essential step: proper dehydration — drying the seeds until they are neither too moist nor completely dry. When ready, the seeds turn a light brown color.

She and the team have also found that glass jars work better than paper bags, since paper can absorb moisture from the environment and increases the risk of contamination by fungi or insects.
Their long-term monitoring shows that Carreto seeds can remain viable for about one year when stored under the right conditions:
🌡️ temperature below 25°C
💧 humidity below 60%

In 2025, the team tested 300 seeds collected in 2024 and found that none of the seeds germinated confirming that while storage helped prevent fungal degradation, seed viability did not last beyond that time. However, when seeds were collected, dehydrated, and plnated immediately, the team observed a germination rate of over 50%.

Carreto trees fruit twice a year, and we are now entering the first seed season of the year! Claribeth continues to investigate how to improve germination rates of Carreto seeds and future experiments planned this season will explore various techniques aimed at increasing seed germination rates.  At Proyecto Tití, we are proud to support and promote women in science. Women are leading conservation work across our programs—from research and restoration to education and community engagement. We believe that empowering women and girls through scientific training, leadership opportunities, and hands-on field experience strengthens conservation outcomes and inspires the next generation of environmental leaders in Colombia.

Thanks to women like Claribeth, science is helping us restore forests, protect biodiversity, and build a future for cotton-top tamarins.