Protecting Patagonia's Pumas: The Blink+A Coexistence Project

In the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia, pumas and people are caught in a delicate balance that affects both wildlife and local livelihoods. When pumas prey on livestock, ranchers often respond by killing these cats—sometimes in retaliation, sometimes as a preemptive measure to protect their herds. This cycle of conflict endangers a keystone species and undermines the well-being of the communities who share the land with them.

This crowdfunder supports the groundbreaking Blink+A project, developed by Panthera scientist Nicolás Lagos and Javiera de la Fuente at Universidad del Desarrollo. Blink+A is an innovative deterrent device that:

Uses motion-activated lights and sounds to safely keep pumas away from livestock
Runs on solar power with rechargeable batteries for sustainable operation
Features customizable sounds and programming to prevent habituation
Works as a non-lethal solution that protects both pumas and ranchers' animals

Your donation funds crucial field testing across three continents—helping Nico and Javi refine this technology not only for pumas, but also other carnivores such as jaguars, bears, foxes, wolves, and many other species.

This crowdfunding campaign is part of Rewildology's Project Patagonia, combining conservation innovation, storytelling, and travel to create lasting solutions for human-wildlife conflict. Join us in transforming how people and pumas share the landscape!

Rewards

PUMA AMBASSADOR: $25-$99
Impact: $25 provides a pair of batteries to power one Blink+A deterrent

Thank you email with exclusive behind-the-scenes content
Added to quarterly Project Patagonia newsletter

CATAMOUNT CHAMPION: $100-$499
Impact: $100 supports one day of work to build and assemble Blink+A deterrents in the lab. $300 supports the building of one Blink+A prototype.

All previous rewards
Access to extended interviews
Invitation to an exclusive Q&A session with the team (Nico and Javi)
10% off merch store
Wallpaper graphic package cell phone & laptop

MOUNTAIN LION LEADER: $500-$999
Impact: $600 provides 90 LED lights to illuminate a total of 30 Blink+A units

All previous rewards
Limited edition Project Patagonia t-shirt and tote

PANTHER PATRON: $1000-$2499
Impact: $1000 covers the implementation of 3 camera traps with batteries and SD cards to monitor the performance of Blink+A in the field during the test phase

All previous rewards
Recognition as a major supporter in the project credits on the website
Signed photograph by Nico

PROJECT PATAGONIA ALLIANCE PARTNERS: $2500+
Impact: $2500 covers the implementation and testing of a set of Blink+A in a ranch. $20,000 covers one Blink+A manufacturing mold – the next big phase of the project!

All previous rewards
Custom presentation for office staff

Learn More:

Project Patagonia
Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks podcast series
Where the Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres del Paine Adventure (March 31-April 7, 2026)
Blink+A: Designing a New Tool to Deter Carnivores and Protect Wild Cats Article
#214 | Illuminating Coexistence: The Blink+A Story with Nicolás Lagos and Javiera de la Fuente

Crowdfunder Deadline: Friday, November 14, 2025! Donate, share, and help us reach our goal!

**A small percentage (around 10%) of the amount raised will go to administration costs for running the campaign.

Project Patagonia

Where Conservation Meets Technology—And You Make a Lasting Impact.