Raul, a biologist, has dedicated over 20 years to conservation in Ecuador's Choco rainforest, but recent escalations in gang violence have made his work increasingly dangerous. With daily killings reported in nearby cities and threats to his life, Raul's commitment remains resilient, despite the precarious situation. A warning from colleagues about an impending kidnapping forced him to alter his travel plans and maintain a low profile. His experiences reflect the struggles faced by scientists conducting fieldwork in a country undergoing a severe security crisis, particularly amid ongoing political tensions and debates over crime control measures.
Raul's story highlights the struggles of many scientists in Ecuador who are conducting fieldwork with diverse populations and critical ecosystems in a country facing a growing security crisis.
Last August, while attending meetings in Quito, the capital, Raul received a phone call from colleagues in the Choco. They had heard that a local gang planned to kidnap him.
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