Conserving wildcats for the balance in the ecosystem is an important cause and one that has been undertaken by a grouped called the Programa para la Conservacion de Felinos (PROFELIS/The program to preserve felines). This group has an animal health program for felines who are abandoned, sick or were in human captivity.

PROFELIS focuses on two tasks to meet the above objectives. The fist is investigation, e.g. field studies. And, the second is environmental education.

The investigative work conducted by this group includes documenting the natural environment of the wildcat. The organization solicits volunteers to assist with this task. They are in need of volunteers with animal or veterinary backgrounds or education.

The education is an initiative targeted at the public in hopes of developing awareness about the natural history of the endangered wildcats and help tourists understand how they, by participating and through behavior, may influence local developments.

They offer several programs:

• Audiovisual presentations explaining the tropical rainforest and wildcats.
• Seminars for local communities to facilitate collaboration in the preservation of the species.
• Educative trails where information about the effects of deforestation and hunting have on the ecology.
• Live exhibits displaying felines and other animals who have been rehabilitated and will be re-introduced to the wild.

The jaguar is a spotted cat that resembles the leopard, although it is larger and sturdier. The pattern of the jaguar's spots is easily distinguishable from the leopard. There are estimated to be 200 jaguars living in Costa Rica and most believe that they live in Corcovado National Park.