News Animals

Ximena Velez-Liendo is saving Andean bears with honey

The self-described “bear-ologist” has found ways to help rural communities and bears coexist

Eight individuals wearing beekeepers suit are surrounding two bee-hive boxes as they stand against a mountainous background. One of the people are holding a bee hive frame covered in bees, and everyone else seem to be paying attention to the frame.

Conservation biologist Ximena Velez-Liendo, a self-described “bear-ologist”, directs the Andean Carnivore Conservation Program, which trains farmers in sustainable, forest-friendly practices that benefit Andean bears and people. Here, beekeepers in Hoyadas, Bolivia learn how to replace queen bees.

Andean Carnivore Conservation Program

By Brianna Randall

In 1998, at the age of 22, conservation biologist Ximena Velez-Liendo came face-to-face with South America’s largest carnivore on her first day of field research in Bolivia.