John Carlo R. Santos

Carlo is a conservationist trained in Philippine wildlife research, spatial monitoring tools, and wildlife crime prevention, with a background in Environmental Science and Management and Wildlife Studies. Working in Mindoro since 2018, he serves as Protection and Law Enforcement Coordinator, collaborating with law enforcement agencies and field teams to strengthen frontline protection across tamaraw landscapes through ranger capacity building, SMART technology, and coordinated wildlife crime prevention.

Often working alongside rangers in the field, Carlo provides training and mentoring, supports the development of practical standard operating procedures, and promotes data-driven patrol planning. Known among colleagues as someone who is most likely to get lost, Carlo has been turned around in the mountains more than once while climbing alone. Those experiences have shaped how he approaches conservation work: steady, reflective, and guided by the belief that while challenges come and go, the values behind the work are what ultimately endure.