On October 9th, WINGS will induct five new Fellows during our 2025 Women of Discovery Awards Gala in New York City. In a special Q&A series, we are sharing a little bit about each honoree. Dr. Yara Barros is a Brazilian conservation biologist and the Executive Coordinator of Project Jaguars of Iguaçu, a flagship initiative dedicated to the conservation of jaguars in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest.
WINGS: Tell us your story. How did you get involved in science and your field specifically?
DR. YARA BARROS: Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by nature and the incredible creatures that inhabit our world. This curiosity led me to study Biological Sciences at the University of São Paulo, where I had my first deep dive into the natural world—and that’s where I discovered a special interest in birds, which quickly grew into a lifelong passion.
I went on to pursue a Masters and Ph.D. in Zoology, focusing especially on parrot species. During this time, I became deeply involved in the conservation of the Spix’s macaw, a critically endangered species that still holds a very special place in my heart. I spent over ten years working on its recovery, coordinating both in-situ and ex-situ conservation efforts—facing many challenges, but also experiencing some of the most meaningful achievements of my career.
I’ve worked with institutions like IBAMA and ICMBio (government environmental agencies), always focusing on threatened species conservation. I helped establish species recovery plans and coordinated national committees dedicated to endangered birds. I also served as Technical Director at Parque das Aves and as president of the Brazilian Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Internationally, I’ve been involved with major zoo and conservation associations, and I am a member of the Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG Brazil/IUCN).
Today, I serve as Executive Coordinator of the Project Jaguars of Iguaçu, based in Iguaçu National Park in Brazil. I also coordinate the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Large Cats in Brazil. I am a researcher at the Instituto Pró Carnívoros. My journey in science has been driven by a deep love for biodiversity and a commitment to bridging scientific knowledge and practical action to help protect the species we share this planet with.
WINGS: What is something you would like people to understand about your work?
DR. YARA BARROS: One thing I wish that people understood is that conservation is not just about saving animals—it’s about people too. In my work, I’ve learned that we can’t protect species without involving the communities who share their landscapes. Whether working to save the last Spix’s macaws or helping jaguars thrive in the Atlantic Forest, I’ve seen firsthand that conservation must be rooted in empathy, collaboration, and respect for local realities.
Many people see jaguars as dangerous or distant creatures, but I’ve seen how powerful it can be to change fear into admiration—how a species once feared can become a source of pride, even of income, for local families. My field is as much about listening as it is about science. It’s about building trust, promoting coexistence, and creating a future where wildlife and people can thrive together.
I would love for people to see conservation not as something done in remote forests by scientists alone, but as a collective journey—one where science, culture, and community come together to protect what we all depend on.
WINGS: What are the greatest barriers to more women working in science?
DR. YARA BARROS: One of the greatest barriers to more women working in science is not a lack of passion or talent, but the structural and cultural obstacles that still persist. Science often still operates within systems shaped by male-dominated norms. Women face a lack of mentorship, fewer leadership opportunities, limited visibility, and the constant pressure to prove their competence in order to gain recognition and respect. On top of that, many women must juggle their careers with family responsibilities—usually without the institutional support they need.
There is also an invisible barrier: the lack of representation. When girls don’t see women scientists—especially in leadership roles or working in the field—they often can’t picture themselves there. I’m grateful that my own journey can serve as inspiration for other women. We need to open doors for the next generation of women in conservation. Representation matters. Support matters. And we need both to build a more diverse, fair, and strong scientific community.
WINGS: What gets you up in the morning?
DR. YARA BARROS: The certainty that my work makes a difference. That through my passion and dedication, I can help conserve threatened species. That feeds my soul and gives me the energy to keep going. I just LOVE what I do!
WINGS: What’s your next challenge?
DR. YARA BARROS: In addition to keeping the Project Jaguars of Iguaçu running and well-funded, I want to help build a trinational alliance for jaguar conservation in the Atlantic Forest and take part in the creation and implementation of a breeding center that will support the recovery of the jaguar in this biome.
WINGS: Describe yourself in three words.
DR. YARA BARROS: Passionate, committed and caring.
