Millsaps College was recently awarded a $58,000 grant from the Disney Conservation Fund to support its ongoing research at the Kaxil Kiuic Biocultural Reserve in the Puuc region of northern Yucatan, Mexico.
The project focuses on monitoring threatened species like the jaguar and king vulture, working in partnership with local Maya communities to safeguard the region’s unique biodiversity. The grant is renewable, providing the potential for long-term conservation efforts.
Dr. George Bey
Dr. George Bey, professor of anthropology, director of the Millsaps Yucatan Program, and one of the project leaders, expressed excitement about the impact this grant will have. “This grant highlights our legitimacy as a research institution and demonstrates that a small college like Millsaps can have a significant impact on global conservation issues.”
A Collaborative and International Effort
The project will be executed in collaboration with several partners including Dr. Carlos Ibarra, a professor of human ecology from the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico and James Callaghan, director of the Kaxil Kiuic Biocultural Reserve.
The year-long project, which begins this month will monitor both the jaguar and the king vulture, two species vital to the ecosystem of the Puuc region, as well as others. “We aim to collect data inside and outside the reserve,” Bey explained. “We’ll work closely with local Maya communities to establish long-term monitoring efforts, ensuring that these species are not only studied but protected.”
Smile! You’re on Camera!
James Callaghan
The international team will use innovative monitoring techniques, including camera grids and LiDAR technology to collect critical data.
The project will deploy a network of camera traps throughout the Kaxil Kiuic Biocultural Reserve and surrounding areas. These motion-activated cameras will capture images of wildlife, particularly the elusive jaguar, providing crucial data on population sizes, movement patterns and behaviors.
In addition, the team will use acoustic monitoring devices to track the presence of the king vulture, identified by its distinctive calls.
By combining methods, researchers will paint a comprehensive picture of the biodiversity in the region, while identifying potential threats such as habitat loss or illegal poaching.
Local Maya to Assist in the Research Process
A key component of the project is its collaboration with local Maya communities. The team will train community members in data collection techniques, allowing them to play an active role in the conservation of their home environment.
Dr. Carlos Ibarra
Workshops will be held in nearby villages to educate locals about the importance of protecting endangered species. By involving these communities, the research aims to create a sustainable, locally-driven conservation effort that will continue beyond the duration of the project.
Additionally, the findings from the research will be shared with regional and international conservation organizations, further amplifying the project’s impact on global wildlife preservation efforts.
Empowering Communities and Students Through Research
One of the core elements of this project is its community-centered approach. In addition to gathering data on wildlife, the Millsaps team will work closely with Maya leaders and schools. Outreach programs will bring the project into classrooms where students will learn about the importance of conservation.
“This project isn’t just about collecting data,” Bey emphasized. “It’s about building a sustainable relationship with the Maya community, empowering them to participate in conservation efforts and ensuring that these species thrive for generations to come.”
Research Opportunities for Millsaps Students
Millsaps students will also play an essential role in this research. Unlike larger institutions where undergraduates often have limited involvement in major research projects, Millsaps provides students the opportunity to work directly with faculty on impactful, real-world research. This experience is invaluable in preparing them for careers in science, conservation and beyond.
Dr. Will Selman, professor of biology at Millsaps, is presently directing a standalone multi-year project studying jaguars in the reserve. Zoology students are working with him and will visit Yucatan over winter break to learn more about his research and the new project.
“Our students will be directly involved in data collection and analysis,” Bey explained. “They gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge research techniques, from using LiDAR technology to analyzing statistical data on species populations. These experiences most undergrads wouldn’t have access to at a larger university.”
A Long-Term Vision for Conservation
While the project is funded for one year, the potential for renewal provides hope for a long-term impact. If the team meets its goals and DCF funding remains available, the project could continue for several years.
“Our long-term goal is to establish a sustainable monitoring program for threatened species in the Puuc region,” Bey said. “This is a dynamic time for the Yucatan ecosystem, we want to ensure that our research not only provides important data but also supports long-term conservation efforts.”
In addition to working with local communities and collecting data, the Millsaps team hopes to inspire broader conservation efforts by sharing their findings through Disney’s global platforms.
“This grant not only supports our research but also opens doors for us to share our work with a global audience,” Bey noted. “Partnering with Disney gives us a chance to bring attention to the important conservation work we’re doing and inspire others to take action.”
A Bright Future for Research at Millsaps
The Disney Conservation Fund has long been recognized for supporting global conservation efforts. Since its inception in 1995, the DCF has contributed more than $125 million to wildlife conservation programs worldwide, including supporting the work of conservation icons like Dr. Jane Goodall. As Bey notes, “We hope that millions of people around the world learn of the Millsaps Kiuic project through the DCF and Walt Disney Community.”
As this renewable grant from the Disney Conservation Fund creates opportunities for ongoing research, it also solidifies Millsaps’ role in global conservation efforts. For Millsaps students, it means participating in cutting-edge, high-impact research that could shape the future of conservation while advancing their academic and career goals.