This project proposes the construction of the “Arlequinario”, a research and education center dedicated to saving the last known population of the Critically Endangered Mindo Harlequin Toad (Atelopus mindoensis). The project was born from the story of the rediscovery of the species. Once considered “possibly extinct” after no confirmed sightings since 1989, in 2019, five individuals were found in the pristine region of Santa Rosa of Mindo. In an attempt to keep the population alive, the breeding attempts failed, and no new toads were found.

This changed on September 10, 2024, when a lone survivor, now known as Soli-Tyrone, was spotted. This sixth sighting in over 30 years confirms the species is not extinct, but monitoring reveals that population densities remain critically low. 

The Arlequinario is designed to serve as the center of continuous monitoring, ecological research, and species recovery for a long-term period. As we expect to be constructed within the last known habitat of the species, the Arlequinario will have a sustainable infrastructure and will serve primarily as an in-field laboratory for preserving the species, but also as a center for science education, community outreach, and advocacy for conservation.

The Arlequinario project is designed to have a lasting impact on the Mindo region by combining conservation, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. The construction and co-creation of a permanent research and education center will offer a wide range of conservation practices, including long-term biodiversity monitoring, species preservation, and sustainable land use

Qualitatively, the Arlequinario project seeks to empower Mindo’s communities (especially Santa Rosa and Comuna Primero de Mayo as being the closest  to the reserve) through environmental education, skills workshops, and active participation in conservation and sustainable livelihoods. We want the Arlequinario to serve as a space for learning, storytelling, and inspiration for new conservation leaders.

By using detailed population data from the Mindo Government, we know the Mindo community is predominantly young, with a total population of 6,552 composed of 3,395 men and 3,157 women. Children and teens represent over half the community (2793), making them a key audience for long-term impact. With this available data, we aim to develop inclusive education and engagement strategies designed for age and gender, such as encouraging girls and young women to participate in science and environmental leadership.

Together, these efforts will position the Arlequinario as a replicable model for community-based conservation, starting in Ecuador and offering inspiration for similar projects globally.

This initiative was started by Alejandro Arteaga (CEO of Khamai), who, after finding out about the surviving population of Atelopus mindoensis, decided to create the Khamai Foundation as an NGO focused on a new type of conservation mission in Ecuador. Since 2022, Khamai has been dedicated to reversing biodiversity decline and ensuring the long-term survival of endangered species by creating and managing new protected areas. Over time, the foundation grew, as did its team and achievements. Nowadays, it is made up of the following members:

• Alejandro Arteaga | CEO and Board Member – Biologist who has discovered 35 new species and helped protect 255 hectares of rainforest.
• Ángela-León Caceres | Board Member – Researcher with 12+ years of experience leading community-based One Health programs in the Global South.
• Amanda Quezada | Field Biologist – Leads the rapid-response monitoring of the Mindo Harlequin-Toad.
• Gerardo Obando | Park Ranger – Oversees the Arlequin Reserve and on-site monitoring.
• Gabriela Sandoval | Director of Grants – Biologist managing the foundation’s grant and fundraising efforts.

Khamai’s team brings a strong combination of scientific expertise, local knowledge, and strategic vision. With the Arlequinario project, we won’t only be building an infrastructure center—we will be building a new vision and model for community-driven conservation and education across Ecuador and beyond.

Arlequin Reserve Project