South Rupununi Conservation Society

05/06/2026

On this , we are proud to share what being a founding member of the Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA) means to us as a grassroots conservation organization working in the Rupununi region of Guyana, where communities and nature are deeply interconnected. 🐾🍃🐆

14/05/2026

RIVER TURTLE CONSERVATION 🐢 : Tracking the Yellow-Spotted River Turtle in the Rupununi 🐢

The South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS) partnership with the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) , Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), and the Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit is carrying out a joint turtle tagging initiative in the Rupununi.

The aim of the program is to better understand the movement patterns of the Yellow-Spotted River Turtle, providing critical data to guide future management and conservation decisions.

Over several days in the field, representatives from all four organizations worked together to safely capture and tag 10 adult female turtles. Their movements will now be monitored over the next year to build a clearer picture of habitat use and migration across the region.

The project was led by Senior Turtle Ranger Morano Barjoan from Sand Creek Village, with technical support from Dr. Matt Hallett and Dr. Travis Thomas. We extend our thanks to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, PAC, and FZS for making this collaboration possible.

PUBLIC NOTICE! If you encounter a tagged turtle, please return it safely to the river and leave the tag in place. Every observation contributes to protecting this species for the future. 🐢🍃

The Yellow-Spotted River Turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) is currently classified as: Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List.

As there has been noticeable decline in populations over the years, SRCS in partnership with Sand Creek Village joined in researching and monitoring this species!

🐢🐢🐢

09/05/2026

SPECIAL NEWS: Red Siskins Hatched on David Attenborough’s Birthday! 🐦 🍃

The Red Siskin Research and monitoring program continues to document Red Siskins, an endangered bird species, behavior in the South Rupununi!

2024 Whitley Award winner Leroy Ignacio joined bird guide and photographer Neil Allicock to document a roost, where they located two active Red Siskin nests. One clutch hatched on 8 May, Sir David Attenborough’s birthday.

Funded by the Whitley Fund for Nature , this fieldwork is expanding our understanding of a species once thought to be on the brink of extinction in the wild.

SRCS rangers are now rotating shifts with the photographer to observe nesting behavior and habitat use. With nests documented in November 2025 and April and hatchlings in May 2026, the team is building the first detailed picture of Red Siskin breeding phenology in Guyana.

Each observation strengthens the evidence base for protecting this endangered species and its savannah habitat.

As this monitoring season comes to an end, our next steps are to secure further funding for a follow-up program. The aim is to understand breeding behavior, nesting success, and parental care for the young, as well as the impact of fire on nesting areas and feeding grounds. This data will directly inform conservation actions on the ground.

Special thanks to Whitley Fund for Nature Whitley Fund for Nature

Photo and Video by Neil Allicock / SRCS

26/04/2026

THE RED SISKINS continued protection and monitoring by community rangers! 🍃🐦

For over 20 years, dedicated community rangers from the South Rupununi have been at the forefront of the protection of the Red Siskin (Spinus cucullatus), a commitment that continues to this day.

With support from the Whitley Fund for Nature and under the leadership of Leroy Ignacio, 2024 Whitley Awardee, this critical work has been further strengthened over the past two years.

Today, nearly 40 Rangers from Katoonarib, Rupunau, Sand Creek, Sawariwau, Shulinab, and Shea are actively engaged in field-based monitoring and conservation.

Their work is rooted in careful observation, carried out over long hours in the field, often in remote and challenging conditions. Rangers walk across savannahs, climb hills, and moving through challenging terrains where the Red Siskin (Spinus cucullatus) occurs, spending extended periods quietly observing and listening for signs of the species. Through these sustained efforts, they conduct surveys, collect data, and monitor population trends and potential threats to both the species and its habitat.

Since the Red Siskins were encountered in the South Rupununi in 2000, this amazing species has become deeply embedded in community conservation efforts. SRCS with communities have established locally managed conservation zones that safeguards the habitats of the Red Siskins across their titled lands.

Beyond community efforts, the Red Siskin (Spinus cucullatus) is legally protected in Guyana as an endangered species under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2016, which prohibits its capture, trade, and exploitation, reinforcing conservation efforts at both community and national levels.

Today, the Red Siskin stands as more than a species under protection, it is a symbol of long-term collaboration between communities, conservation partners, and national frameworks working together to secure the future Rupununi’s biodiversity.

Special Thanks to Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN), Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission the rangers and communities of Katoonarib, Rupunau, Sand Creek, Sawariwau, Shulinab, and Shea. South Rupununi District Council

13/04/2026

We are excited to reshare this insightful interview on the Barima-Waini Environmental Education Curriculum, featuring Ms. Annette Arjune from the Guyana Marine Conservation Society and Ms. Maya de Freitas from the South Rupununi Conservation Society.

SRCS was happy to support this initiative, which highlights the importance of environmental education in shaping young leaders, strengthening community engagement, and building a deeper connection to nature across Guyana 🌿

13/04/2026

Sharing Our Conservation Story

In late March, the South Rupununi Conservation Society was honoured to be invited as the first featured guest in the Conservation Conversations series, an initiative organized by the EMC Foundation and the Protected Areas Trust, hosted at Avenue Café in Georgetown, Guyana.

We extend sincere thanks to both organizations for creating this important platform, which brings together conservation practitioners, government agencies, civil society, and partners to share knowledge and strengthen collaboration for biodiversity conservation in Guyana. This initiative provides a valuable space for dialogue, learning, and connection, allowing diverse voices to come together in support of shared environmental goals.

As SRCS, we shared our journey as a community-led conservation organization, highlighting our approach to integrating science, Traditional Knowledge, and community leadership in conservation across the South Rupununi.

We also shared an overview of some of our key ongoing conservation and research programmes in the Rupununi. These include work on the Red Siskin research, Giant Armadillo and Giant Anteater research, Yellow-spotted River Turtle monitoring and protection, Hoary Throated Spinetail and Rio Branco Antbird, genetic identification of a rabbit species, savannah fire ecology and management research, the Environmental Education Curriculum, Traditional Knowledge preservation initiatives, and the Bird Guide Accreditation Programme.

Special emphasis was placed on our Giant Armadillo project, supported by the GEF Small Grants Programme SGP Guyana, and Conservation International Guyana which has inspired participating communities to come together to establish an intercommunity agreement to protect this species. This initiative supports both the protection of the species and the strengthening of local livelihoods, reinforcing the link between biodiversity conservation and sustainable community development.

Our team was represented by President Mr. Leroy Ignacio, 2024 Whitley Award Winner; Ms. Erin Earl, Secretary and Technical Advisor on Giant Armadillo and Giant Anteater projects; Mr. Angelbert Johnny, Project Coordinator for the Giant Armadillo project; and Ms. Maya de Freitas, Executive Member.

We would like to extend special thanks to Mr. Shyam Notka and his team at the EMC Foundation and the Protected Areas Trust for facilitating this significant event.

Photos: Protected Areas Trust

22/03/2026

From the Rupununi to St Andrews: SRCS Celebrates Global Recognition for Environmental Education 🌍✨

The South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS) celebrates winning the 2026 St Andrews Prize for the Environment for our project “Transforming Environmental Education in Guyana.”

The SRCS were declared as the winner following the participation of their Environmental Education Coordinator, Ms. Alyssa Melville, in the final who was required to provide a presentation on the project and complete two questions and answer sessions in front of a panel of esteemed judges. As part of the award, the SRCS has received a prize total of $95,000 to continue implementing and expanding their project.

“For us, this prize is not just an award, it is an opportunity, an opportunity to strengthen our environmental education programmes, support our communities, and expand our impact for future generations,” said Alyssa Melville.

The St Andrews Prize for the Environment is a prestigious global award recognizing innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Run by the University of St Andrews, it supports impactful projects addressing sustainability, conservation and climate issues through funding, visibility and international recognition.

Since 2018, the SRCS has designed and implemented a 2-year Environmental Education Curriculum to more than 2000 students in over 20 communities in Region 9. The curriculum was designed through consultations with local community members, national agencies in Guyana and international scientists.

In the first year of the curriculum, students learn about their local wildlife, environment and culture whilst in the second year, the students use this information to design and implement a citizen science project to address an environmental issue in their community. The curriculum is considered innovative as the content of the curriculum is a combination of scientific and Traditional Knowledge while lessons are taught through a mixture of classroom-based and practical activities.

“This curriculum not only teaches students about their local wildlife, environment, and culture, but also empowers them to design and implement citizen science projects that address real environmental challenges in their communities,” Alyssa added.

Following the success of the programme, SRCS has partnered with the Guyana Marine Conservation Society and the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission to adapt the curriculum for other regions in Guyana, contributing to the development of a national environmental education framework aligned with the Government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy: Guyana.

SRCS would also like to congratulate fellow participants, Dr. Rebecca Cliffe of the The Sloth Conservation Foundation and Yvette Ishimwe of IRIBA WATER GROUP LTD, whose work continues to inspire environmental action worldwide. The organization extends its sincere thanks to the distinguished judges of the prize, including Chair Professor Sir Ian Boyd and Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, Principal and Vice-Chancellor.

The SRCS would also like to thank the Sustainable Wildlife Management - Programme Guyana, a Delegation of the European Union in Guyana funded initiative, for supporting the project since 2018, and Mr. Neal Millar, Technical Advisor to SRCS, whose dedication in seeking special grants and funding opportunities ensures the work of SRCS continues to be supported and highlighted.

Most importantly, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all local partners, communities, schools, and students of the Rupununi for being part of this journey and supporting a stronger connection to and care for our environment.

19/03/2026

An inside look at the Environmental Education curriculum model developed by the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS) with support from the Sustainable Wildlife Management Program (SWM) with funding from the EU 🌿

By blending scientific learning with Indigenous knowledge, we empower young people to understand their environment and lead their own citizen science projects, strengthening the connection between culture, community, and conservation.
Now internationally recognised by the St Andrews Prize for the Environment, this model will help in shaping the next generation of environmental leaders in Guyana.

We extend our sincere thanks to the University of St Andrews for this honour and their support.

Video Credits: Luke McKenna / SRCS

18/03/2026

🌎 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! 🌿

The South Rupununi Conservation Society is incredibly proud and deeply moved to share that we have won the prestigious St Andrews Prize for the Environment for our project, Transforming Environmental Education in Guyana.

This global award, presented annually by the University of St Andrews, recognises innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Yesterday, March 17th, this award was received by Ms. Alyssa Melville, our environmental Education Coordinator! 🙌

Each year, only one winner is selected, with the winner receiving $95, 000USD. To be awarded this global prize is not just an achievement, but a powerful affirmation of the work being done right here in Guyana.

Since 2018, what began as a vision has grown into something truly transformative. Our Environmental Education model, developed for children aged 8 to 18, blends scientific learning with Indigenous knowledge and connects education to culture, community, and the natural world. Over two years, students learn about their environment and are then empowered to design and lead their own citizen science projects. Today, this initiative has reached more than 2000 students across over 20 communities in Region 9.

This moment belongs to many. We extend heartfelt congratulations to Alyssa Melville, whose passion, dedication, and leadership have guided this project from the very beginning. Seeing her work recognised on a global stage is something we are all incredibly proud of.

We also thank the facilitators, teachers, schools, parents, Toshaos, Village Councils, and especially the young people who have been part of this journey. This achievement is yours. You are the reason this work matters and continues to grow.

Because of this collective effort, the model is already expanding beyond the South Rupununi into Regions 1, 4, and 6, with the aim of developing a national environmental education curriculum for Guyana, and a guide that can support communities around the world.

This award is not the end of the journey. It strengthens our commitment to continue the work and expand its reach. It shows that community led approaches are effective, that Indigenous knowledge has real value, and that when young people are given the opportunity, they are capable of leading meaningful change.

Most of all, it is a celebration of the Rupununi, once again showing Guyana and the world what is possible.

We look forward to welcoming Alyssa home and continuing this journey together.

This win is for all of us. 🐾🌿

Special thanks to all our key partners:

South Rupununi District Council, the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission, and Guyana Marine Conservation Society the Sustainable Wildlife Management - Programme Guyana and Delegation of the European Union in Guyana, Field Museum and Amazon Conservation Team Guianas for their continued support and belief in this vision.

17/03/2026