Ongoing Projects: Mexican Raccoon Conservation
Nature Conscious Tourism Initiative
Working to Conserve Critically Endangered Cozumel Raccoons
At the Nature Conscious Tourism Initiative (NCTI), one of our primary ongoing projects is the conservation of the critically endangered Cozumel raccoon (Procyon pygmaeus). This project is connected to the graduate research of NCTI founder Nessie O’Neil at Miami University of Ohio, where she is focusing on the intersection of tourism, public awareness, and species conservation.
Nessie’s overarching research, titled “Analyzing Tourism’s Impact on Cozumel Raccoons and Species Conservation,” aims to address a major gap in knowledge about anthropogenic impacts to the raccoon caused by the tourism industry in collaboration with local biologists in Cozumel.
Unfortunately no formal marketing or educational outreach is aimed at tourists regarding the critically endangered raccoon, or the steps needed to protect them. This lack of awareness contributes to harmful human-wildlife interactions, including feeding raccoons, improper waste disposal, and habitat degradation.
Learn more about the Cozumel raccoon
Ongoing Cozumel Raccoon Conservation Initiatives
"Mexican Raccoon" SEO Project
When people search for "Mexican raccoons," Google primarily displays coatis instead of information on the actual raccoon species found in Mexico. This misclassification leads to a lack of recognition for the endangered species and severely impacts its conservation.
Preliminary Study on Tourist Knowledge and Engagement
Currently, an IRB-approved study through Miami University is underway to better understand tourist perceptions, behaviors, and awareness regarding the Cozumel raccoon’s conservation status.
Educational Methods Analysis
Research is currently underway to determine the most effective ways to educate tourists about Cozumel raccoon conservation. This project looks at the ways tourist learn about the Cozumel raccoon and how that source of education impacts their interactions.
