The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, part of a state system of nature preserves in Mexico, covers 1.7 million acres of rainforest between the Yucatan Peninsula and the jungles of northern Guatemala.  Proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site, the area incorporates famous Mayan archeological ruins.  It is also home to a rich diversity of animal and plant life, including the stunning but endangered Jaguar.  The Core Zone of the reserve is protected by the Mexican government, but sustainable logging is permitted in surrounding areas. The rainforest that you are saving is primarily in the buffer areas bordering the Core Zone, which are increasingly threatened by human encroachment, and activities such as logging and illegal hunting. 

Ecological Significance

One of the main purposes of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve is to provide a broad, safe habitat for Jaguars.  These wild cats are only found in the Americas, and they were pushed to near extinction by the 1960's due to demand for their incredible spotted coats.  They have also lost 2/3 of their original range in Mexico and Central America and 1/3 of it in South America.  650,000 acres of undisturbed forest and wetland habitat is required to sustain a population of jaguars.   

Threats

About 10% of the world's plant and animal species can be found in Mexico. Unfortunately, hundreds of species are added to endangered species lists because of man-made habitat loss and fragmentation due to logging, cattle ranching and agriculture. Jaguars continue to be hunted illegally.

Why Red Jellyfish supports Friends of Calakmul (FOC):

Because FOC is a small organization targeting a very specific region for preservation, their mission is clear, as are their annual accomplishments.  Our donations go directly to converting buffer zone land to designated core zone land of the preserve, thereby preventing logging of precious rainforest.  Their annual land surveys and close ties to the local communities offer much more tangible rewards than larger organizations might provide. Red Jellyfish can even visit the preserve, and hike through the acres of land that we have helped to save. 

Friends of Calakmul's Work

Friends of Calakmul is a small group of scientists and concerned citizens who work to preserve jaguar habitat in the buffer zone surrounding the heart of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in southern Mexico.  More importantly, the FOC works directly with communities within and around Calakmul:  they pay their community partners (local landowners called ejidatarios)  an annual fee for preserving land, which provides them an incentive to avoid unsustainable farming, logging and hunting practices.  Payments are made only after annual surveys confirm that no human disruption has taken place. FOC also leads educational seminars on the benefits of forest conservation, and is a partner in the Jaguar Project.

Please tell every one you know  to help us save these beautiful forests before they disappear forever.