From the Forest to the Chocó Lab: Leonardo's Journey in Conservation

28 Aug 2025
Did you know that a single hectare of our Canandé Reserve (approximately 2.47 acres) contains more than 101 species of trees, about 25% of which are found nowhere else but in the Chocó? Perhaps even more remarkable is that, after being cleared for pastures and cacao plantations, rainforests in the Chocó can regenerate on their own and regain biodiversity to levels comparable to mature rainforests in less than three decades. Researchers from a program called Reasembly discovered all this at the Chocó Lab, the first scientific research lab in Ecuadors lowland Chocó, founded in 2021. From this hub, scientists from Ecuador and around the world lead groundbreaking ecological research.  

The Choco lab is owned and managed by Jocotoco. One of the Chocó Lab's most experienced parabiologists, a member of the community trained by Jocotoco, is Leonardo de la Cruz, a park guard.

Leonardo was born in Esmeraldas and raised in El Silencio, a rural area in the Ecuadorian Chocó. He grew up surrounded by the region's extraordinary biodiversity. From a young age, he was fascinated by nature, especially the animals he saw every day. His family, dedicated to agriculture, instilled in him a respect for the land and the importance of living in harmony with the natural world.

Leonardo's journey in conservation began with a chance encounter. A Jocotoco park ranger was surveying land in Leonardo's community. Through that visit, Leonardo learned about Jocotoco, and soon after, he joined the team. Now, with nearly four years of experience, he is an integral part of the Chocó Lab.

His desire to become a parabiologist stemmed from a passion to learn more about amphibians and reptiles. This curiosity led him to specialize in these species, particularly through fieldwork, where he supports researchers directly during their sampling efforts. At the Chocó Lab, Leonardo gained scientific knowledge and learned how to share his local knowledge with the academic community.

His role in the Reassembly project was especially meaningful. Over the course of two years, he helped collect vital field data and assisted in frog monitoring efforts. In the mud and mist of the Chocó forest, he spent countless hours trekking along remote trails, often at night, gathering critical data for the project. Reassembly researchers recorded nearly 60 frog and toad species in Canandé, more species of frogs and toads than are native to all of Europe. 

Looking ahead, Leonardo hopes to continue expanding his knowledge of Chocó's wildlife and contributing to forest conservation. "I want to share everything I've learned and continue discovering more about the forest," he says enthusiastically.

His work has also had a powerful impact on his community, helping to dispel long-standing misconceptions and foster respect for these often-misunderstood animals. "I've shown people that frogs aren't dangerous to humans and that many snakes aren't venomous, so there's no reason to kill them," he explains.

Leonardo shares a clear message: "We need to work together to create positive change. The forest offers us something truly beautiful. The animals and trees we encounter on our walks give us a whole new perspective on the world."

Your donation empowers park guards like Leonardo to pursue professional opportunities rooted in their passion for nature. Through his work with Jocotoco, Leonardo helps protect one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and inspires the next generation of conservation leaders in his community.