Northern Jaguar Project and Naturalia, working with Defenders of Wildlife, have established a Jaguar Guardian Program to help stop jaguar killing and to provide much-needed assistance with field research targeting at a better understanding of jaguar population size, dispersal behavior, and habitat needs. The Jaguar Guardians work closely with Board Member and jaguar researcher Dr. Carlos Lopez-Gonzalez to ensure that populations remain in the wild and that key biological and ecological information is garnered to identify and protect dispersal corridors and core areas for re-population. The Jaguar Guardians also assist Naturalia with security and stewardship activities on the Northern Jaguar Reserve.

The Jaguar Guardians also work with area ranchers to minimize conflicts with livestock and reduce the killing of jaguars. They strive to build community acceptance of jaguars through a number of methods, including introducing the use of jaguar-compatible husbandry practices. By working on the ground with affected parties to win acceptance of jaguars and by assisting with research efforts to guide future conservation actions, Northern Jaguar Project, Naturalia and Defenders of Wildlife are helping to preserve one of the most majestic – and threatened – animals in North America.