Join host Brooke Mitchell as she speaks with puma researcher Nicolas Lagos and conservation technologist Javiera de la Fuente about revolutionizing human-wildlife coexistence with Blink+A, an innovative deterrent device combining flashing lights, sounds, and IoT connectivity to protect livestock and carnivores. From selling a wildlife photography book to fund their idea to testing weatherproof devices across ranches from the US to Saudi Arabia, this unlikely collaboration between a Patagonian field biologist and Santiago digital designer shows how conservation technology can address predator-livestock conflict. Named after a one-eyed puma from Torres del Paine, Blink+A demonstrates open-source innovation in wildlife management, promoting peaceful coexistence between ranching communities and endangered carnivores like pumas, jaguars, and bears.

Support the $25,000 fundraiser to expand Blink+A testing globally at givebutter.com/projectpatagonia.

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction & Project Overview
1:45 Meet Nico & Javi
2:25 Nico's Background - From Santiago to Patagonia Pumas
4:40 Javi's Story - From Nintendo to Conservation Tech
7:35 The Problem: Century-Old Human-Wildlife Conflict
12:45 Designing Blink+A: Deterrent 2.0
16:25 15 Prototypes and Counting
19:30 Learning to Prototype on a Budget
22:55 Funding Through Puma Photography Book
26:15 Why This Device Works: Predator Biology
30:50 The Human Element: Working with Ranchers
36:35 Rancher Feedback: Virtual Fences Concept
38:25 Technical Details: Lights, Sounds & Sensors
42:10 PIR Sensors & Customizable Components
45:10 Current Status & Next Phase
47:50 What Success Means to Each of Them
51:30 How Blink+A Got Its Name
53:25 The One-Eyed Puma: Blinka's Story
54:35 Final Thoughts & Advice
57:10 Call to Action & Fundraiser
58:25 Outro & Expedition Information

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA
https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/

REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS
Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/

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September/October Book - Crossings by Ben Goldfarb https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/

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SPONSORSHIPS & BRAND PARTNERSHIPS
Send your ideas to Brooke at [email protected]