Hidden away in the misty Talamanca mountains of Costa Rica, Cloudbridge Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife. From elusive jaguars and ocelots to shy pacas and curious coatis, the forest is full of life, much of which we rarely get to see with our own eyes. That’s where camera traps come in. These quiet, ever-watchful devices have been one of our most important tools for learning about the mammals that call this place home.
Over the years, camera traps at Cloudbridge have captured some incredible moments. They’ve documented the first-ever sighting of a tailless puma, recorded the social behaviors of white-nosed coatis, and helped researchers understand how factors like tourism and forest regeneration affect mammal diversity. This kind of information is invaluable for conservation, but also for education and research.
Every year, Cloudbridge welcomes a group of dedicated interns who come from around the world to conduct fieldwork and contribute to this growing body of knowledge. These interns rely heavily on camera traps to collect their data. Right now, we have four interns working on projects that explore the population dynamics and habitat preference of big and small cats, the distribution and bahaviour of collared peccaries, and the population of the elusive paca. Their work not only adds to the scientific understanding of these species but also supports efforts to protect them and their habitat.
Unfortunately, most of our camera traps have reached the end of their lifespan. After years of exposure to the elements (rain, humidity, and curious animals) they’re no longer reliable. Without them, our ability to monitor wildlife, conduct research, and support the work of our interns is at serious risk.
That’s why we’re launching a campaign to raise funds for 15 new camera traps. These will allow us to continue our research, support incoming interns, and deepen our understanding of the unique mammal communities in the cloud forest ecosystem. Camera traps are more than just tools, they are our eyes in the forest, helping us to see what would otherwise remain hidden.
We’re asking for your help. Whether you’re a nature lover, a past visitor to Cloudbridge, or someone who believes in the power of science and education, your support can make a real difference. With your donation, we can keep our eyes in the forest, one click at a time.
Do you want to see some examples of the research that we have been conducting at Cloudbridge? Check our video!