Camila Gómez
Camila Gómez is a Colombian conservation biologist, educator, and researcher dedicated to advancing bird conservation through science, training, and community engagement. She serves as Director of Education and Training at SELVA, a leading Colombian nonprofit organization focused on applied research, conservation, and capacity building throughout Latin America.
Camila holds a B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Universidad de los Andes, Colombia. Her research spans bird migration ecology, animal behavior, conservation biology, and niche theory, with a particular focus on Nearctic–Neotropical migratory birds and the ecological factors that influence their survival and distribution during the nonbreeding season. Through her work, she has contributed to a growing understanding of how migratory species use tropical landscapes and how conservation actions across the Americas can better support these remarkable travelers throughout their annual cycle.
Beyond her research, Camila is deeply committed to developing the next generation of conservation leaders. At SELVA, she leads a wide range of education and training initiatives, including field courses, professional development programs, scholarships, and community-based conservation projects. She is passionate about creating opportunities for students, early-career professionals, and local communities to engage in science and conservation.
Whether conducting field research, mentoring young scientists, or working alongside community leaders, Camila is known for her ability to bridge rigorous scientific research with practical conservation action. Her work reflects a strong belief that lasting conservation success depends on empowering people, building local capacity, and fostering collaboration across disciplines, cultures, and borders.
Title: Expanding the Motus Network in Central and South America Through Research, Training, and Collaboration
Abstract:
SELVA is a research and conservation organization based in Colombia. Since adopting the Motus Wildlife Tracking System in 2015, SELVA has led or supported the installation of approximately 50 receiver stations across seven countries in Central and South America and collaborated on numerous research projects that use Motus to advance the conservation of migratory birds.
However, building a successful Motus network involves much more than installing receiver stations and publishing scientific papers. It requires long-term partnerships, capacity building, and sustained collaboration among researchers, local communities, conservation organizations, and government agencies. At SELVA, we have focused on empowering partners across the region to develop the skills, knowledge, and relationships needed to expand the network and maximize its conservation impact.
This presentation will highlight the collaborative process that has made SELVA a key partner in the growth of the Motus network in Central and South America. It will showcase important scientific discoveries enabled by the network, demonstrate how these findings are informing conservation planning and management, and illustrate how research, training, and collaboration can work together to improve outcomes for Neotropical migratory birds.