In Yondó (Antioquia) and Cimitarra (Santander), conservation agreements promoted by Proyecto Vida Silvestre (PVS) are beginning to show results: both Critically Endangered species are being recorded more frequently on properties where landowners have set aside part of their land for conservation. Reduced hunting for meat, protection of remaining forest fragments, and restoration of degraded areas have helped support their return and population growth.

With the imminent arrival of El Niño, many of these mammals could become trapped as water bodies shrink or even die. At least 120 fishers from nine local associations in the Middle Magdalena region carry out ongoing community monitoring to enable a timely response to potential emergencies. The effort covers at least 33 water bodies and six wetland complexes. To date, they have logged more than 8,076 hours of monitoring, while also supporting the regional Manatee Stranding Network.