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. Her passion for wildlife began in childhood, when she would confidently answer the classic question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” with unwavering conviction: “I want to save animals.” That childhood dream became her lifelong mission.

She began her career working with endangered bird species, including the iconic Spix’s macaw. Witnessing the last known individual in the wild was a transformative moment—one that shifted her path from biology to full-time conservation. Through this work, she also learned that protecting species means working hand-in-hand with the people who share their land.

Yara holds a Ph.D. in Zoology and has dedicated much of her professional life to endangered species conservation through key roles in the Brazilian government (IBAMA and ICMBio). She also served as President of the Brazilian Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and as Technical Director of a major bird park in Brazil.

In 2017, she was invited to lead Project Jaguars of Iguaçu at Iguaçu National Park. Under her leadership, the project has become a model for collaborative conservation, combining cutting-edge science, strong community engagement, and cross-border partnerships.

To Yara, jaguars are far more than a species—they are a symbol of resilience, a compass guiding conservation, and a deep personal connection. Her work is driven by the belief that protecting jaguars means protecting entire ecosystems and the people within them.

Yara is a finalist for the 2025 Whitley Award. She is a member of the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group, Executive Coordinator of Brazil’s National Action Plan for Big Cat Conservation, and an associate researcher at Instituto Pró-Carnívoros (IPC).