#214 | Illuminating Coexistence: The Blink+A Story with Nicolás Lagos and Javiera de la Fuente

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.

TIMESTAMPS0:00 Introduction & Project Overview1:45 Meet Nico & Javi2:25 Nico's Background - From Santiago to Patagonia Pumas4:40 Javi's Story - From Nintendo to Conservation Tech7:35 The Problem: Century-Old Human-Wildlife Conflict12:45 Designing Blink+A: Deterrent 2.016:25 15 Prototypes and Counting19:30 Learning to Prototype on a Budget22:55 Funding Through Puma Photography Book26:15 Why This Device Works: Predator Biology30:50 The Human Element: Working with Ranchers36:35 Rancher Feedback: Virtual Fences Concept38:25 Technical Details: Lights, Sounds & Sensors42:10 PIR Sensors & Customizable Components45:10 Current Status & Next Phase47:50 What Success Means to Each of Them51:30 How Blink+A Got Its Name53:25 The One-Eyed Puma: Blinka's Story54:35 Final Thoughts & Advice57:10 Call to Action & Fundraiser58:25 Outro & Expedition Information

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIAhttps://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/

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

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