WWF
KOATI partnered in 2021 with WWF (World Wide Fund For Nature) in a united effort to develop and create a comprehensive and powerful communication and education strategy to promote more sustainable lifestyles.
A number of KOATI’S stars, including Evaluna Montaner and Sebas Villalobos panda friends who both have more than 90MM+ social media fans, will lend their voices and huge social media presence to promote globally the conservationist message of the film. Most of the animals and habitats in the film are in the verge of extinction.
Koati’s message is that "together we can save nature, and in turn we will discover that nature will save us".
LEARN ABOUT OUR ANIMALS
with XOCHI
Learn about Monarch Butterflies
(XOCHI)
DID YOU KNOW?
At the end of summer in North America, millions of monarch butterflies migrate from Canada and the United States to the temperate forests of Mexico where they hibernate for winter at the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Their migration covers more than 4,000 km. They gather by the hundreds and thousands in the branches of the trees, and when spring begins, they start their journey back to the United States. This migratory phenomenon is unique to North America.
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
The monarch butterfly only hibernates in the temperate forests in the tallest mountains in central Mexico. In the Americas, the monarch butterfly can be found from Canada to southern Peru and northeast Argentina. They inhabit many other countries in the world as well, like Australia.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
The monarch butterfly itself is not threatened, but what is in danger is its amazing migration. Why? The use of herbicides and pesticides in the United States along its migratory route has depleted Milkweeds, the only plant where monarchs lay their eggs and where caterpillars (baby monarchs) feed from. In Mexico, they are faced with the cutting down of trees in the forests where they spend the winter, at the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Care for the protected natural areas in your country. When you visit, follow instructions and do not litter or remove living beings (plants or animals) from these sheltered places.
Avoid using pesticides and herbicides that kill Milkweeds and other plants that are essential for monarchs and many other pollinators. If you are the United States, you can plant Milkweeds that are native to your region as well as nectar plants to help the monarchs along their migration journey.
with BALAM
Learn about Black Jaguars
(BALAM)
DID YOU KNOW?
The jaguar is the largest feline in the Americas and is only surpassed in size by the lion and the tiger. It has the most powerful bite of all of the big cats and is a very skilled and effective solitary hunter.
Black jaguars also have spots, although they cannot easily be seen.
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
Jaguars can live in mangroves, semi-deserts, or mountainous areas. However, it is more common to find them in the jungles and tropical forests. They live in 18 Latin American countries and are considered extinct in El Salvador and Uruguay.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
Deforestation, the fragmentation of their habitat, conflicts with humans, hunting, and the illegal wildlife markets are the main threats that the jaguar faces. These actions have caused a considerable decrease in their habitats, their populations, and their prey.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Do not buy jaguar skins or fangs or purchase "miracle" products made from feline parts, as this contributes to the illegal wildlife markets.
Help prevent climate change by using clean energy and joining global efforts, like Earth Hour.
with NACHI
Learn about Coatis
(NACHI)
DID YOU KNOW?
There are two species that exist: the ring-tailed coati and the white-nosed coati.
Thanks to its strong claws, the coati can climb and sleep high in the tallest part of the trees as well as dig into logs for food. Its flexible joints allow them to descend from the trees with Their heads face down. The coat of this species varies from almost black with a gray face that has no spots, to a red or gray coat with spots on the face and tail.
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
The ring-tailed coati can be found in Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, and Uruguay. The white-nosed coati can be found anywhere between south of the United States to the north of Ecuador.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
Poaching and illegal trade of the coati threaten its survival. The coati is considered an invasive species, as it has been introduced in countries other than its natural habitat.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Don't buy wild animals as pets. Inform yourself, reduce your meat consumption (if you consume), and make sure that the meat is sourced domestically.
with PAKO
Learn about Glass Frogs
(PAKO)
DID YOU KNOW?
As its name indicates, the glass frog has translucent skin. If you are lucky enough to find one, you will see its internal organs, including its heart, liver, stomach, and intestines.
The glass frog is not just one, but belongs to a family of 151 species, in which it is common for the males to take care of the eggs.
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
They can be found in the tropical forests of Central and South America.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
This frog, like many other animals, is faced with the loss of its habitat due to deforestation and the growing cultivation of crops and livestock.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Keeping the water from ravines and streams free of contamination is fundamental in helping care for this species. Do not contaminate or litter these water sources.
Support conservation efforts of the forests and water sources.
with CALLI
Learn about Jabiru Birds
(CALLI)
DID YOU KNOW?
The jabiru is the largest flying bird in Central and South America.
You can easily recognize the jabiru by its large beak, red neck, and white feathers.
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
They are found from the southeastern part of Mexico to Argentina. The freshwater wetlands, like the swamps and flooded savannas, are this bird's main habitats.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
The rapid transformation of the wetlands threatens their survival, a situation even more serious due to their low reproduction rate. The jabiru lays only two eggs per year.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Support conservation efforts in the wetlands close to where you live.
Make a plan with your friends to learn about these marvelous ecosystems and discover more about the hundreds of birds that live or migrate to these wetlands.
with AMAYA
Learn about Quetzal Birds
(AMAYA)
DID YOU KNOW?
The quetzal's coloration changes depending on the quantity and quality of light. Sometimes it can look reddish or blue, other times blueish green, yellow, and even violet. The males are distinguishable from the females by their green topknot and the two feathers on the back of their body that can be up to a meter long.
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
The quetzal can be found in cloud forests, distinguished by their evergreens, at an altitude between 1,600 to 3,200 meters, from southern Mexico to Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and northeastern Panama.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
Deforestation and climate change threaten their survival, since they only live in well conserved places.
Their great beauty falls victim to illegal wildlife markets to be sold in different countries or with false papers.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Never buy animals, plants, or parts of their bodies without knowing if they are endangered or under some level of threat.
Search for reliable information on sites endorsed by the authorities of your country.
Help prevent climate change by using clean energy and joining global movements like Earth Hour.
with ZAINA
Learn about Coral Snakes
(ZAINA)
DID YOU KNOW?
In the Americas, there are more than 60 species of coral snakes with the genus Micrurus, popularly known as corals. They are famous for their beautiful tri-color skin with yellow, black, and red rings, including some with orange or cream tones. Their colors are believed to serve as a warning to its predators, indicating that they are venomous.
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
Coral snakes live in tropical environments, coniferous forests, and in arid regions. They can be found from the United States to Argentina.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
Being very elusive, little is known about the coral snake. However, because it is a venomous snake, it is highly targeted by people who, in fear of being attacked, kill it. Additionally, the coral snake faces degradation of the forests where it lives, which affects its population.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Do not harm animals that are considered dangerous. Wildlife, like the coral snakes, avoid contact with people and only attack when they feel attacked.
Before going out into nature, discover more about the animals that you can find and do not disturb them. Avoid putting your hands under logs, rocks, and inside of holes as these serve as habitats for coral snakes and many other animals.
with JITHU
Learn about Anacondas
(JITHU)
DID YOU KNOW?
Anacondas are experts in ambushing to catch their prey!
There are two types of species that exist: the green, or common anaconda and the yellow anaconda. They can measure between 5 and 7 meters long, weighing up to 95 kg. Although they live close to water and are swimming experts, they feed off of land mammals and birds that come to the river, such as: capybaras, tapirs, turtles, and alligators.
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
They can be found in the swamps and rivers of the tropical forests of South America, like the Amazon and the Orinoco.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
The destruction of its habitat, the hunting by humans who consider them a risk for domestic livestock, and the capturing of these animals for the illegal wildlife markets represent huge threats to the anaconda's survival.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Snakes play an important role in managing certain species, like rodents.
Do not buy anacondas as pets.
Instead, support organizations that protect the forests and rivers where they live.
with WHISKERS
Learn about Tamarin Monkeys
(WHISKERS)
DID YOU KNOW?
Emperor tamarin monkeys are a very graceful, friendly, and playful species of monkeys. They love to jump and move through the trees with quick and sudden movements. They feed on fruits, insects, tree sap, lizards, and toads. Showing a great need for affection and care, they live in groups of up to 20 individuals.
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
They live in the tropical forests of the Amazon in southeast Peru, northeast Bolivia, and northeast Brazil. Additionally, they can also be found near various rivers in Peru, including Acre, Purus, and Jurua.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
The main reason that they are in danger is due to the destruction of habitat. Although the emperor tamarin tends to reside in remote areas, its spaces are increasingly surrounded by humans with the construction of highways and deforestation for the raising of livestock. It is not common for this species to be hunted, but it is subject to illegal wildlife markets.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Monkeys are not pets. They require their habitat to live and to fulfill their roles in dispersing seeds.
Do not look for exotic species as pets.
Discover more about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats.
with XUXU
Learn about Axolotls
(XUXU)
DID YOU KNOW?
The Axolotl is considered to be one of the most fascinating species on the planet. One of its peculiarities is that it retains the characteristics of a larva, or baby, when it has become an adult. It's like a giant tadpole! Therefore, unlike other amphibians that also live on land, the axolotl spends its entire life in water. It can live up to 15 years old and measure 30 cm.
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
This species of axolotl lives only in the canal systems of Xochimilco and Chalco in Mexico City.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
The axolotl faces multiple threats, such as the loss of habitat that has been fragmented or disappeared due to the growth of Mexico City. The waters in which it lives are contaminated by human waste, the use of fertilizers, and invasive species that consume its resources. This peculiar species is also captured for commercial purposes and sold in illegal wildlife markets for its unique characteristics.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Do not use or consume "miracle" products made from endangered plant and/or animal species to cure ailments. Consult a medical professional and inquire with the authorities of your country about the illegal wildlife markets.
Do not contaminate the rivers or lakes, for this affects entire populations of species.
with CLAU
Learn about Tapirs
(CLAU)
DID YOU KNOW?
We present to you the tapir, the largest land mammal in South America.
They are herbivorous animals, but their digestive systems are not very efficient, so they spend a good part of the day eating and chewing herbs, fruits, and seeds to obtain the energy that they need. They are considered dispersers, or gardeners, of the forest because many seeds manage to be transported through their excrements.
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
Three of the four species of tapirs live in the forests of Central and South America.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
Illegal hunting, habitat loss, and unusual dry seasons threaten their survival.
WHAT CAN I DO?
To save the forests is to save the tapirs.
Join reforestation and conservation efforts to protect this animal.
with COCOPA
Learn about Armadillos
(COCOPA)
DID YOU KNOW?
There are more than 20 species of armadillos!
Most can curl into a ball when they feel threatened. Their body is covered with a bony armor made up of discs, or plates, that serve as protective shields in moments of danger. When this happens, their shells turn into armor that protects them.
They also have a highly developed sense of smell that allows them to find food in the ground.
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
Armadillos originate from the Americas and can be found throughout the continent, although some species are extinct.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
Almost all species of armadillos are threatened, with the main cause being hunting for their meat and the use of their parts by beliefs and superstitions associated with certain cultures.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Speak out against poaching and illegal trade of species, inform yourself, and support conservation efforts for the armadillos.
with CAMILLA
Learn about Hummingbirds
(CAMILLA)
DID YOU KNOW?
Hummingbirds are a large family, with more than 320 species, and not all of them are miniature. There is a giant hummingbird that can measure up to 18 cm and exists in several countries throughout South America.
They have beaks of various shapes and sizes, short and long as well as straight and curved. They can remain suspended in the air while flapping their wings at a high speed.
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
They originate and are exclusive to the Americas. They can be found in all land habitats on the continent, with the exception of deserts and glaciers. More than half of these species of hummingbirds live in Colombia and Ecuador.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
Indiscriminate logging and the fragmentation of forests where the hummingbirds live are the main threats for this animal.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Place drinking fountains on your terrace or patio so that the hummingbirds can drink water. These fountains must remain clean and in the shade.
Also, you can grow flowers that are good for these birds.
If you find a nest, leave it in its place.
with ITZEL
Learn about Charapa Turtles or Arrau Turtles
(ITZEL)
DID YOU KNOW?
Being the largest river turtle in all of South America, its shell can measure up to one meter long!
It is very peculiar because it does not retract its neck, like most turtles do. It only hides underneath its shell on one side.
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
They can be found in the rivers and lagoons of the Amazon and the Orinoco river basin, located in Colombia; south Venezuela; northeast Brazil; and a small part of Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
In Colombia, they are considered endangered. Their populations are considerably decreasing due to the hunting and illegal trade of its meat and eggs. River contamination also poses a huge threat.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Remember:
River turtles are not pets!
Do not eat their eggs or their meat, and do not buy or sell wild animals.
Ask yourself not only where the water you consume comes from, but where it goes to avoid contaminating it.
with LILIANA
Learn about Ocelots
(LILIANA)
DID YOU KNOW?
The ocelot belongs to a group of spotted wild cats in the Americas, along with the jaguar, margay, and the oncilla. They weigh around 11 kg and can live up to 10 years in the wild. They can be distinguished by their solitary way of life and are usually active during twilight, as night falls until sunrise.
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
They live in a wide variety of places, from the humid tropical forests to the dry shrubs, as long as there is vegetation in good condition. They can be found in the southern part of Texas within the United States, Mexico, and Central America until north of Argentina, Uruguay, and South America.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
Loss and fragmentation of habitat due to the development of agriculture, livestock, and infrastructures as well as the act of poaching are the main threats that the ocelot faces.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Spotted cats have been hunted for their fur for many decades, putting them at risk of extinction.
Do not buy furs or fangs from ocelots or other big cats. Avoid sharing videos where these types of felines are treated as pets, as this contributes to poaching and illegal sales of wildlife that should remain in their natural habitats.
with FRANCISCO SPIDER MONKEY
Learn about Spider Monkeys
(FRANCISCO)
DID YOU KNOW?
Spider monkeys are the best acrobats of the tropical forests!
They are known as spider monkeys because of the extension of their limbs. Their tail is prehensile, meaning that it can grasp and take hold, and is used as an extra hand. This allows them to move at a great speed through the treetops. They move between these treetops at 25 to 30 meters high.
The color of their skin varies according to the species.
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
They live in the tallest areas of the tropical forests from Mexico to Brazil.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
In the last 45 years, their population has declined 50%. Deforestation, as well as illegal capturing and hunting, pose a great threat.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Wild animals are not pets and spider monkeys are better in their natural habitat.
You can learn about and support the conservation efforts in the jungles that are home to the spider monkeys.
with OLD IGUANA
Learn about Green Iguanas
(OLD IGUANA)
DID YOU KNOW?
The green iguana is a large lizard that likes to live in the trees. It can measure up to 2 meters and has an extremely long tail that is about three times the length of its body! When younger, they are green, but as they age, their coloration changes to where some that have reached maturity are brown, or even orange.
When they are scared, they usually freeze or hide.
WHERE DO THEY LIVE?
They are commonly found in the tropical forests and mangroves in all parts of Central and South America, from the northern parts of Mexico to Paraguay and southeastern Brazil. This large lizard also inhabits many islands in the Caribbean and on the eastern Pacific coast.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
The green iguana is a good indicator of the health of its environment, since it is so sensitive to changes in its habitat.
It faces destruction of its habitat for the use of cattle grazing. In some countries, iguanas are raised for their meat and skin as well as sold as pets. Although they cannot be considered an endangered species, their exploitation has resulted in a significant decline of their population in some areas within the continent.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Do not look for exotic species as pets. These animals need their natural habitat to live happily and healthily.
LEARN ABOUT OUR ENVIRONMENTS
Tepui
Learn about Tepuis
DID YOU KNOW?
These gigantic landforms are made of various types of rocks and can exceed 2,000 meters in height. They are over 2.4 billion years old, from a time when present-day South America and Africa formed a supercontinent. These are the most ancient rocky formations of the continent.
In Venezuela you can find the tallest tepui in the world - the mountain, or tepui, Roraima at 2,810 meters tall.
In Colombia, you can find tepuis in the Chiribiquete National Park, located in the heart of the Colombian Amazon. There, they emerge from the plains and the humid forests, reaching 900 meters in height.
The Amazon
Learn about The Amazon
DID YOU KNOW?
This is the largest tropical forest in the world and can be found in South America. The Amazon is a shared region between nine countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Its size exceeds that of India, one of the largest countries in the world, with an area of 6.7 million km2. The Amazon is also home to 35 million people, with over 2.6 million being indigenous.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
Deforestation, the construction of highways, illegal mining, fires, and climate change threaten the stability of the Amazon rainforest.
If the Amazon is at risk, then freshwater and the planet's climate stability are also at risk.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Inform yourself about the threats of the Amazon. Consider how your daily actions can increase that risk, for example, with what you consume. You can reduce your meat consumption or question the origin of the wood that was used to make some of the products that you buy.
Temperate Forests
Learn about Temperate Forests
DID YOU KNOW?
The temperate forests, where the monarch butterfly takes shelter during the winter, are integrated with fir trees and mixed with cedar, pine, and oak trees. All of these trees generate a special microclimate that the butterflies need to hibernate.
They are located in the center of Mexico between 2,400 and 3,600 meters above sea level.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
The main threats for the monarch butterfly are illegal logging and the use of land for agriculture.
WHAT CAN I DO?
When you visit a protected natural area do not introduce domestic animals, avoid emitting noises from speakers, and respect the marked trails.
Cenotes
Learn about Cenotes
DID YOU KNOW?
The word "cenote" comes from the Mayan word "ts'ono'ot" which means cavity of water. They are a particular type of water reservoir that are distinguished by their underground spaces that open to the outside by some degree.
The most famous cenotes in the world are located on the peninsula of Yucatan in southeast Mexico and in the northern parts of Guatemala and Belize.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
The cenotes are threatened by the expansion of human settlement, industrial expansion, deforestation, and the contamination of organic materials from pesticides and heavy metals. They are very popular tourist sites for swimming and diving, with some cenotes under enormous pressure from uncontrolled tourism and water discharge from cities.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Care for the water sources of the planet by throwing away your trash and never throwing waste into the cenotes or other bodies of water. Buy products with less packaging, recycle your clothes, and avoid food waste.
Iguazu Falls
Learn about Iguazu Falls
DID YOU KNOW?
They are the biggest waterfalls in the world! They were formed millions of years ago as a result of a volcanic eruption and the gradual movement of tectonic plates. Their height varies between 60 to 82 meters, with the tallest part known as the Devil's Throat.
You can find Iguazu Falls in the Iguazu National Park, a protected area in Argentina, and in the state of Parana in Brazil.
WHY IS IT IN DANGER?
They are threatened by climate change that lead to strong droughts or prolonged rainy seasons. The Atlantic Forest, where the Iguazu National Park houses the falls, has been reduced by almost 90% over the years. Additionally, dams are another big threat to this ecosystem.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Add small actions to your daily life to reduce gas emissions that cause climate change. Save energy, avoid food waste, and use cars less often.
