This is an exclusive chance to join Project Chicchan in May 2013 on a pioneering study of the herpetofauna of the remote Laguna Del Tigre National Park, in the El Petén region of northern Guatemala.

The region is highly biodiverse and home to nearly 200 species of reptiles and amphibians. Other species found here include howler monkeys, spider monkeys, tapirs, harpy eagles and the elusive and ever alluring jaguar.

We will be based at Estación Biológica Las Guacamayas. During our time here we will survey a variety of different habitats that have yet to be inspected thoroughly for herpetofauna, including river edges, swamps, and tropical forest.

So far only 36 species of reptiles and amphibians have been officially recorded at Las Guacamayas, but surveys have been limited to the river edge. By surveying other habitats in the area we will be able to make a significant contribution to the knowledge of the herpetofauna of the National Park.

We will be the first group to visit Las Guacamayas to conduct detailed surveys of the herpetofauna found there. The data collected on this preliminary study will be used to inform the design of a larger herpetofaunal study of the area.

Species we are likely to find include Yucatan banded gecko, the endangered and endemic Morelet’s crocodile, green iguana, red-eyed treefrog, striped basilisk, boa constrictor, variable coral snake, and the infamous barba amarilla, or fer-de-lance.

–Rowland Griffin

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