KAMINANDO
Habitat Connectivity Initiative
Connecting land, wildlife and people for a harmonious coexistence
Kaminando’s expanded research program will merge traditional ecological knowledge and scientific methods to study and conserve the feline guild in the Guna Yala Comarca of eastern Panama.
Our program aims to bridge both the cultural and ecological knowledge gaps to empower a new generation of local conservation leaders.
As nature continues to face unrelenting pressure, we cultivate social awareness, collaboration, and leadership skills to catalyze change to protect biodiversity in the montane cloud forest.
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By providing information and education, Kaminando’s outreach program fills important knowledge gaps, dispels misconceptions and helps to change attitudes and behavior in ways that enhance tolerance for, and coexistence with, the iconic jaguar.
By involving the community in our research activities, we are making significant strides towards building local capacity and promoting the value of intact forest.
About Us
Based in both California and Panama, Kaminando—Habitat Connectivity Initiative, was established in 2014 to protect the threatened tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest biome and its biodiversity in Panama.
Mission
Kaminando creates lasting solutions for wildlife conservation in the cloud forest through acquiring scientific knowledge, community outreach, and empowering residents to participate in the most urgent conservation challenges threatening our flagship species, the jaguar.
Kimberly Craighead President and Co-Founder
Kimberly’s wildlife expertise involves extensive feline and avian conservation. She expanded her education looking into the implications of human behavior on our environment. Her research involves wildcat conservation concentrated on habitat use in the human-dominated landscape.
Photo credit: Sebastian Kennerknecht
Milton Yacelga Vice-president and Co-Founder
Of Ecuadorian origin, Milton is a Wildlife biologist with research and consultant experience focusing on herpetological and mammalian taxa. Expertise in, and comprehensive understanding of Continental and Island Ecosystems and their wildlife.
Meet Our Team
