Hi everyone, my name is Lex Plasmans.
I'm a Dutch tropical field ecologist currently based in Colombia, South America. Over the years, I’ve taken part in numerous scientific field expeditions across the entire Neotropics, experiences that have profoundly shaped my commitment to protecting this region.
My academic and field background spans several disciplines, including botany, soil science, and geology. However, my true passion lies in conserving birds, primates, and herpetofauna. I first came to Colombia during my studies to conduct my thesis on a primate reintroduction program in the Llanos, and my spirit never really left. That experience sparked a deep connection with the country’s ecosystems and its extraordinary biodiversity, and I’ve been dedicated to conservation here ever since.
After the pandemic, I decided to leave behind my consultancy work to fully return to field-based conservation in the Neotropics. It took some time to find the right opportunity, but I’m now proud to work as a Project Manager with Fundación ProAves, Colombia’s leading bird conservation NGO. In this role, I help secure funding, translate our work into English, and write proposals and reports for a wide range of conservation initiatives across the country. I also feel incredibly lucky to regularly visit our 27 Nature Reserves, each located in some of Colombia’s most diverse and unique ecosystems.
I'm excited to be part of this community and the courses. I hope to connect with others who share a deep commitment to safeguarding our planet’s biodiversity.
Kind regards,
Lex Plasmans
I am a Dutch tropical field ecologist living in Colombia, working as a Project Manager for the NGO Fundación ProAves. In this role, I focus on securing funding for a wide range of conservation initiatives across the country and beyond. My work allows me the privilege of frequently visiting ProAves’ 27 nature reserves spread throughout Colombia’s diverse ecosystems.
As an ecologist, my interests span multiple disciplines, including botany, geology, and soil science. However, my true passion lies in zoology, especially birds, primates, and herpetofauna. Over the years, I’ve conducted extensive scientific fieldwork throughout the Neotropics during numerous internships and expeditions. That deep connection to the region’s biodiversity ultimately led me to stay and dedicate my life to conserving the extraordinary species and habitats of what is truly the land of birds.
Soy un ecólogo tropical neerlandés radicado en Colombia, donde trabajo como Director de Gestion Proyectos para la Fundación ProAves. En esta labor, me dedico a gestionar y asegurar financiamiento para una amplia gama de iniciativas de conservación a nivel nacional e internacional. Gracias a ello, tengo el privilegio de visitar con frecuencia las 27 reservas naturales que ProAves protege en distintos puntos del país.
Como ecólogo de vocación, mis intereses abarcan diversas disciplinas como la botánica, la geología y las ciencias del suelo. Sin embargo, mi verdadera pasión está en la zoología, particularmente en las aves, los primates y la herpetofauna. A lo largo de los años, he realizado extensos trabajos de campo científico en el Neotrópico durante múltiples pasantías y expediciones. Esta conexión profunda con la biodiversidad de la región me llevó finalmente a quedarme y dedicar mi vida a conservar las especies y hábitats extraordinarios de este territorio que, con razón, puede llamarse la tierra de las aves.
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So glad to have you here, Lex! What an incredible and inspiring journey you've had. At first, I thought of asking you to share some specific experiences, but it seems you’ve worked across quite a few fascinating fields!
If it’s not too much trouble and time allows you, would you kindly share more about your work with birds, herpetofauna, and primates, especially your current role in securing funding, in separate posts? I'm sure our community would gain a great deal from your insights.
For now, could you tell us about your favorite reserve out of the 27? That sounds like a seriously cool workplace! 😄
I am also adding the website link of Fundación ProAves for others to check: https://proaves.org/en/
Absolutely! Most of my background is rooted in ecological fieldwork, whether through biological censuses at field stations or during university-led field excursions.
In bird studies, we primarily used mist nets to safely capture and collect biometric data on birds, and complemented that with visual and auditory observations along transect trails. For primate research, I was more involved in behavioural studies, especially with woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha), one of South America's largest primates and seed dispersed, with the focus of my thesis. Our work looked at daily movement patterns, feeding ecology, Forest productivity and interactions with other primate species.
When it came to herpetofauna, we conducted night transects, the best time to spot frogs, snakes, and other reptiles and amphibians when they’re most active. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of hearing rustles in the dark and finding a brilliantly colored frog or a camouflaged snake nestled in the undergrowth.
While I now spend most of my time in the office (like many of us), I still get the chance to head into the field, either in my free time or as part of my job with Fundación ProAves. Whether it’s supporting donor visits, coordinating project logistics, or contributing to reserve management, field time keeps me grounded in the realities of conservation. It’s essential context for writing compelling, honest proposals that reflect the work on the ground.
I moved to Colombia to be closer to the action, and so far, I’ve had the privilege of visiting 9 of our 27 Nature Reserves. My favourite so far is Las Tángaras Reserve, located in Carmen de Atrato, Chocó. It’s situated in a transition zone between the Tropical Andes and the Chocó lowlands, two of the most important biodiversity hotspots on the planet. With its misty cloud forests, endemic bird species like the Gold-ringed Tanager (Bangsia aureocincta), and a welcoming field station lodge, it’s an ecologist’s dream.
Currently, 11 of our reserves are open to the public for sustainable ecotourism, including our flagship site, El Dorado Reserve in Minca, Magdalena. The remaining 16 reserves are much more remote, some reserved for research, others too difficult to access or lacking the infrastructure to host visitors. In some cases, public safety or regional conflict limits access. Still, I strive to eventually visit them all and work toward improving conditions where possible.
Thanks again for your interest and encouragement, it’s always a pleasure to share and connect with others passionate about the natural world!
— Kind regards, Lex 🌿🦜🦎🐒
Thank you so much for this beautiful and detailed reply, Lex! I’m absolutely in awe of the scope of work you’ve been part of. I’m new to herpetofauna research, so night transects are something I haven’t experienced yet, but your description feels like an inspirational push to give it a try.
I also looked up Las Tángaras Reserve, and YES, it truly is an ecologist’s dream. I hope to visit someday! 🌿
That said, I do have a few questions about sustainable ecotourism. Bangladesh is planning to adopt this tourism model as part of its conservation and economic strategy, but I have some concerns regarding the ethical aspects. Would it be alright if I reach out to you via the chat box here, or perhaps by email?
Thank you so much for your kind words, truly appreciate them! It’s wonderful to hear that you’re diving into herpetofauna research; I can say from experience that night transects open up an entirely new (and often overlooked) world in the forest. I hope you get the chance to try it, it’s one of those experiences that sticks with you for life.
And yes, Las Tángaras is a gem. If you ever make it to Colombia, let me know, and I’d be happy to share more tips or help connect you with the right people for a visit!
Regarding sustainable ecotourism, feel free to reach out anytime in the chat box. I’d be more than happy to exchange insights or discuss the ethical complexities, especially concerning what might work (or not) in contexts like Bangladesh. There are valuable lessons from our experience in Colombia that might help.
If we ever need to go deeper or share documents, email could work too, but for now, here is perfect and ensures a fluid and open exchange. Looking forward to continuing the conversation! 🌱
That's fantastic! Thanks a ton, Lex! I'll be giving you a knock shortly! 🌿
Welcome to WildHub, Lex!
Loved reading about your rich fieldwork experience and how you were persistent in returning to Colombia and successfully landed a job at Fundación ProAves. Well done!
Feel free to share more about your work on here and do not hesitate to reach out should you have any Qs.
Thank you so much for the warm welcome! 🙏
It really means a lot to be part of a space like WildHub, surrounded by passionate conservation professionals. Returning to Colombia and landing the role at Fundación ProAves was a journey filled with uncertainty, but one I’m deeply grateful for. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be contributing directly to the protection of Colombia’s extraordinary biodiversity.
I’ll be sharing more soon about our fieldwork, reserves, and the conservation strategies we’re implementing, especially as we’re constantly learning and adapting. And I look forward to learning from everyone else here, too!
Thanks again, and I’ll be sure to reach out if any questions come up. 🌿🦜