Ruthmery Pillco

Background
Growing up in a Quechua-speaking community in Peru, Ruthmery Pillco developed a deep connection to nature from an early age. She pursued her passion by earning a Master’s degree in Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity, and Conservation from Queen Mary University of London. Her work has taken her across South America, where she has studied biodiversity and led conservation projects that integrate science with local knowledge.

Ruthmery’s conservation work focuses on the Andean bear and the Dwarf deer (Mazama chunyi), a vulnerable species about which little is known. Her research aims to close the knowledge gaps surrounding these species and implement conservation strategies that engage local communities.

In 2023 Ruthmery founded the Peruvian Wildlife Foundation, an NGO committed to preserve Andean ecosystems. Since 2021, as the Andean Program a Conservation Manager at Conservación Amazónica-ACCA, she has been leading projects to safeguard the Andean bear’s habitat. One of her initiatives involved planting over 400,000 native trees to regenerate cloud forest, ensuring long-term sustainability for the region’s biodiversity. She has also conducted camera trap surveys to monitor Dwarf deer populations and their interactions with human communities.

Vision and approach

Ruthmery’s conservation vision extends beyond species protection—she seeks to restore the entire ecosystems. One of the main focus points of her work is Conducting in-depth research on the ecology of the dwarf deer and other vulnerable species. Listed as vulnerable by the IUCN,  there is a significant deficiency in our understanding of this species’ ecology, home range,  diet, and interactions with humans. The lack of information extends to both wild  populations and captivity, with no known individuals being kept in captivity to date. One of the primary threats to the dwarf deer is habitat fragmentation. Therefore implementing reforestation programs that enhance habitat connectivity is an important effort. In addition, efforts are taken to train local communities in sustainable land management and conservation practices, and to strengthen government policies to protect Andean wildlife. Her interdisciplinary approach combines field research, environmental education, and advocacy to ensure a holistic conservation model.

Impact of the Future For Nature Award

Winning the Future For Nature Award will provide Ruthmery with essential resources to expand her research and conservation programs. The funding will support:

• Deploying GPS collars and camera traps to track the movements of dwarf deer.
• Training local field researchers and Indigenous rangers to monitor wildlife.
• Implementing behavioral change campaigns to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.