news

This quarter, FCAT saw our work recognized in a major scientific publication, advanced a growing biological corridor in the Chocó, and continued our restoration and monitoring efforts on the ground. Here are a few highlights from this season: A new BioScience paper co-authored by FCAT founder Jordan Karubian, featuring our work on tropical field stations […]

Since March 2025, FCAT has welcomed new university partners, strengthened ties with neighboring communities, uncovered new discoveries, and continued advancing research in the Chocó. Here are a few highlights from this season:   New academic partnerships with California State University and Spelman College Knowledge exchange with Kichwa communities, local ecoclubs, and screen-printing artists First archaeological

March is a quiet time at the FCAT station, inviting reflection and preparation for the busy summer months around the corner, particularly as both Ecuador and the United States navigate major political transitions that reshape the landscape for conservation work globally. The past months have brought both challenges and meaningful growth, and we’re proud to

July is one of the busiest times of the year at the FCAT reserve. Between visiting students, researchers, and FCAT’s year-round activities, the hustle and bustle at the field station during June mirrors the intensity of life happening every day within the forests of the reserve. Though hammock spots can be in short supply, spirits

5 Year Anniversary of the FCAT Reserve In 2018, a dream became a reality at FCAT – to create a reserve and field station dedicated to conservation, education, and research in the Chocó rainforests of Ecuador. This wasn’t just a construction project; it was a labor of love and determination. Our team, braving challenging conditions,

Summer is heating up at FCAT! Read below for exciting updates about our youth empowerment and education program, reforestation, regenerative agriculture, science, and more. Club Nueva Generación Club Nueva Generación, our environmental club that empowers local youth to become the next generation of conservation leaders, is approaching its one-year anniversary! Club meetings have involved engaging

The past few years have brought many significant changes for FCAT – and 2022 was no exception. As we are solidly rounding the corner into 2023, we are proud to reflect on FCAT’s accomplishments and successes in 2022. Thank you for all of your support, in all of its forms, that helped make this possible.

FCAT researchers have recently found a new population of the Bilsa white-chested frog (Leucosthethus bilsa)– an IUCN Critically Endangered species, whose previously known range was limited to a small 6 km2 area within the Bilsa Biological Reserve. As part of a larger project looking into the relationship between amphibian biodiversity and cacao production, FCATeros Darwin

The project, titled ‘Community-based conservation of Neotropical migratory birds in the Ecuadorian Chocó’, will directly contribute to the conservation of Neotropical migratory birds in and around the FCAT reserve through the purchase and protection of ~122 ha of priority habitat, reforestation of 40 ha, and a suit of integrated educational and capacity building conservation initiatives