Guardians of the Glacier: Ruthmery Pillco Huarcaya's Fight for Andean Bears

Wildlife ecologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Ruthmery Pillco Huarcaya joins Zach and Clare to share her incredible journey from growing up in a small Andean village to leading groundbreaking conservation efforts for the iconic Andean bear. As a trilingual Indigenous Peruvian biologist, Ruthmery brings a unique perspective to her work, blending scientific innovation with cultural and community engagement.

In this episode, Ruthmery discusses the challenges Andean bears face, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change, and highlights the vital role of these bears in maintaining biodiversity. She shares how cutting-edge tools like GPS collars and camera traps help uncover the secrets of bear behavior, as well as how her trusty dog, Ukuku, plays a key role in her fieldwork.

You'll also learn about Ruthmery’s work in environmental education, including the creation of a Bear Interpretation Center to inspire local children and communities to take an active role in conservation. Her incredible story reflects her deep commitment to protecting the cloud forest and the species that call it home.

Episode Highlights:

Meet Ruthmery Pillco Huarcaya (01:02)

The Challenges Facing Andean Bears (05:15)

The Role of Cloud Forests in Conservation (06:39)

Technology and Bear Tracking (15:42)

Cultural Significance of Andean Bears (10:17)

Engaging Communities in Conservation (08:42)

The Bear Interpretation Center and Its Impact (25:24)

The Next Generation’s Role in Climate Action (26:36)

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