One of the largest birds of prey in all of Latin America, the Harpy Eagle looks almost prehistoric, with its sharply curved beak, massive black talons the size of grizzly bear claws, and upturned cranial feathers, forming what looks like a headdress.  Perhaps that is why lumberjack turned parabiologist, Ronaldo Mesias, was stopped in his tracks one ordinary morning— “I confess that I, all at once, felt both curious and afraid because I had never seen something like this in my life.”

Ronaldo grew up surrounded by the rainforests of northern Ecuador, where he worked alongside his brothers transporting felled trees out of the forests to be milled into lumber. As this was the line of work of his parents before him, it seemed the natural way of life to Ronaldo—  that is, until a special encounter he had that changed the direction of his life.

In 2018, Ronaldo’s girlfriend introduced him to our partner organization, Reserva Tesoro Escondido, the primary force protecting this region of rainforest, known as the Chocó Lowland Forest.  Tesoro uses many modalities to protect the forest, including habitat restoration, boosting local scientific research, environmental education for community members, sustainable development and women empowerment projects, and peaceful human-wildlife conflict solutions.

After his initial visit to the reserve, Ronaldo was inspired by what he had seen and wanted to get more involved with the project.  He began attending Tesoro’s parabiologist workshops, training to become a research assistant.  To encourage participation from the local community, stewarding a future where the environment is protected by its residents, Tesoro offers this training for free.  

One summer day, while Ronaldo was completing a survey on the monkey populations in the area, he was stunned by the spotting of an impressive, unusual creature in the trees— a Harpy eagle.  Harpy eagles are globally considered to be Vulnerable, and in much of their range, including the Chocó Lowland Forest, they are becoming increasingly rare.  

Harpy eagles, and many other raptors of Latin America, are threatened by two dominant forces: deforestation, mainly driven by expanding cattle-ranching, and hunting.  People living in the forest and its surroundings often shoot birds-of-prey, for fear that their livestock will be preyed upon.  

Through their numerous conservation projects, Reserva Tesoro Escondido is working to end the destruction of northern Ecuador’s rainforests, with a particular emphasis on preserving and restoring bird biodiversity.

Since his encounter with the Harpy eagle, Ronaldo, like many others who have been influenced by Tesoro, transitioned from a life of working against the environment to one where he actively endeavors to protect it.  By involving the community in important conservation work, Tesoro is creating ripple effects of change across Ecuador, leading us closer and closer to a sustainable, green planet where all beings can thrive.  

Reserva Tesoro Escondida relies on international support to continue their conservation programs, including free environmental education and conservation training to locals who wouldn’t be able to afford the cost of tuition.  If you would like to support Tesoro, please donate here.