Jaguars are the largest big cat species in the Americas and the third-largest feline in the world, after tigers and lions. They are the top predators of Belize’s tropical forest, but deforestation has put jaguars under increased threat and they are now a “near threatened” species on the IUCN red list. Help researchers understand and protect these beautiful big cats on the “Belize Big Cats and Primates Research” program in tropical Belize.

This program will give you a chance to explore and understand the research of jaguars as well as of Black Howler Monkeys, the largest monkey in Belize and one of the largest in the Americas.

Your instructor is Dr. Kayla Hartwell, the Research Director of Runaway Creek in Belize. Dr. Kayla holds a Ph.D. from the University of Calgary and focuses her research on primates and jaguars in Belize. 



By joining us on this program, you’ll get the chance to be a part of important research and learn how research on jaguars is conducted. You’ll also gain an understanding of the anatomy, behavior, and conservation of jaguars from lectures, labs, and field visits to conservation sites. 

The Belizean conservation projects your tuition supports are so grateful for your help, especially after a difficult year without tourist dollars. You’ll be able to learn from local experts while supporting important research and conservation.

When you aren’t working, your trip includes enjoying some of Belize’s beautiful natural sites, including trips to a waterfall, a brilliant blue natural swimming springs, and a Caribbean snorkeling trip. We’ll also have a chance to go cave tubing, explore Maya caves, and explore Belizean culture from dance to delicious tropical fruits and foods!

Dates Open for Application:

 June 25- July 8 2023
 July 9- July 22, 2023