Ruben has worked with Craig Downer in Ecuador on various projects to help save the mountain tapir from extinction. A graduate of the Agricultural Technical Department of Ambato University in Ecuador, he has helped with radio-collaring expeditions as well as giving talks for the public and in schools about the need to recognize and conserve this species and its habitat. As part of his work, he as formed a number of "mountain tapir clubs," which are made up of concerned Ecuadoreans who go into remote villages (in the areas where the tapirs live) to give talks on this subject. Ruben's salary and some of his expenses can be paid for U.S. $200.00 per month - a bargain for such extended and effective conservation work.
Ruben Nuñez (waving) with the ecology class for which he received a certificate from the Ministry of Education and Culture. The photo was taken outside the town of Baños, Tungurahua, Ecuador, September 1997.
As a result of Craig's 1996-97 excursion to Ecuador and the talks he and Ruben gave at the Sagrada Corazon Catholic school in Baños, he and Ruben were able to secure the Catholic Church's support through the sisters who run the school. The Church has begun to use its "power of convocation" to gather people to hear talks about man's interaction with nature.
In one village, San Francisco, Ruben was able to speak to nearly 400 campesinos, and to deliver a program developed by himself and Downer. Many of the people in this area are among those who traditionally hunt this endangered species and destroy the forest and paramos in Sangay National Park. The goal is to reach all such communities in the states of Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Morona-Santiago, Cañar and Azuay.
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