News

What happens when artificial intelligence, digital art, and wildlife conservation come together? An unexpected partnership between Proyecto Tití and Colombian creator Leo Velasquez is proving that creativity can inspire thousands of people to discover—and care about—the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin. His story is a powerful reminder that conservation doesn’t only happen in forests and laboratories; sometimes it begins with a single social media post that sparks curiosity and wonder.

What began as a few photographs of turtles in Proyecto Tití’s reserve led researchers to discover a thriving population of the endemic Dahl’s toad-headed turtle, revealing new insights into its behavior, reproduction, and habitat use. This unexpected finding demonstrates that protecting and restoring tropical dry forest for cotton-top tamarins also provides critical refuge for many other species, highlighting the broader impact of conservation efforts.

We share the story of how we are restoring forests within Los Titíes de San Juan Forest Reserve and creating new hope for the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin. Through the experience of community member Salvador Vásquez, we reflect on how restoration is not only about planting trees, but also about reconnecting forests, protecting wildlife, and inspiring people to care for the future of their land. This is a story about resilience, community, and the power of hope growing one tree at a time.

Los bosques que Proyecto Tití ha restaurado en la Reserva Los Titíes de San Juan se han convertido en un refugio importante para las familias de titíes cabeciblancos. En los últimos meses, hemos observado varios grupos de titíes haciendo uso de las áreas restauradas y buscando alimento, de hecho los observamos cargando sus gemelos recién nacidos. Cada avistamiento es una señal de esperanza. La restauración de bosques está devolviendo vida a estos ecosistemas y creando espacios más seguros para los titíes cabeciblancos y para toda la fauna que depende de bosques sanos.

Proyecto Tití’s restored forests in Los Titíes de San Juan Forest Reserve are already providing important habitat for cotton-top tamarin families, with several groups recently spotted foraging in restored areas while carrying newborn twins. These exciting sightings are a powerful reminder that forest restoration is helping create a safer future for critically endangered cotton-top tamarins and the wildlife that depend on healthy forests.