Osé Pauleus completed his EDGE Fellowship in 2008, but still remains closely involved in EDGE conservation efforts for the solenodon. For his project Osé carried out a conservation assessment of the solenodon in the Massif de la Hotte in association with Société Audubon Haїti. Osé gathered data on the distribution, abundance, ecology and threat status of the Hispaniolan solenodon through sign surveys and community interviews. The solenodon was believed to be extinct in this part of Haїti until its continued existence was confirmed by an EDGE expedition in March/April 2007.
Osé evaluated the educational needs of local communities with regards to the conservation status of the solenodon, and other sympatric species such as the hutia. He also increased awareness among the people interviewed of what can be done to protect these species from extinction.
During the discussion groups held with villagers across the study region, Osé found that only 12% of the people interviewed recognised images of mammal species, with most confusing the two native land mammals (solenodon and hutia), and just 2% of people were aware of threats to the native species. Osé also found that many local people could not distinguish between images of solenodons, hutia, and introduced mongoose, and believed that crop damage was caused by solenodons (which in fact are insectivores and only supplement their diet with plants very occasionally).
Osé recommended that an environmental education programme and community development projects would help to build awareness and conserve local biodiversity. He believes that if a conservation programme is established in the region the rich local biodiversity can be protected. However, he believes that development in local communities should be carried out alongside any conservation programme, to improve the support of the residents.
Osé completed a degree in Agroforestry and Environmental Sciences at the American University of the Caribbean, Les Cayes, Haїti. He has been actively involved with conservation and humanitarian projects since graduating and has attended numerous courses on agronomy, environmental education and community development. Osé is now studying for a Masters degree in Agronomy and Soil Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico, and continues to be involved with the EDGE solenodon conservation project.
