Alejandra Rocio Torrez Traqui’s interest in Andean wildlife started during her years as an undergraduate, studying the endangered Polylepsis tree species and its interaction and role in the surrounding forests. There she saw firsthand the effect that climate change had not only on the plants but on the animals and people of the region as well.
Inspired, Alejandra moved into the conservation field, where she has since already excelled, leading several educational programs in Bolivia. Her work has impacted students, adult citizens, and park rangers alike, and with her Masters from the Universidad of Málaga, her work will continue and only grow stronger.
Alejandra will continue to learn how to strengthen her work of conservation education within local communities, as well as focusing on coupling sustainability with local cultures. Alejandra hopes to one day have her work move up the chain to affect change within the municipal governments, helping both the Andean cat and other species in that region. Her background makes her uniquely suited for this role, and the work she has already done proves that her goal of uniting people and wildlife will come true.
Alejandra was a 2015 recipient of the Zegeye Kibret Memorial Scholarship. Learn more about WCN’s Scholars.
Text by Elizabeth Rogers