Costa Rica News – Who likes frogs? Who likes snakes? Costa Rica is a country known for biodiversity. There are hundreds of species of frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, snakes, lizards, turtles, and tortoises.
The study of these amphibians and reptiles, called herpetology, is vital to their survival. Costa Rica will host the 1st International herpetological symposium this year.
The symposium and field exploration will occur between September 2nd and 7th, 2013, at the Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve that is found in Sarapiqui, a Caribbean lowland region classified as primary forest.
The event will have workshops and presentations about conservation, new findings and research, and herpetological organizations. The goal is to exchange knowledge while enjoying Costa Rica’s reptiles and amphibians. There will be a focus on how biology and eco-tourism are intertwined.
Two internationally known herpetologists will be featured: Dr. Bill Lamar and Cesar Barrio-Amoros. Two Costa Rican field specialists who will participate are Alejandro Solorzano and Dr. Mahmood Sasa. Select students from the U.C.R. will be invited, as well.
The symposium will include a safari on the Sarapiqui River to search for tropical crocodiles, turtles, iguanas, and other animals. A trip to La Selva Biological Station will also be included. Participants will leave with a better knowledge and appreciation of Costa Rica’s 435 reptile and amphibian species.
Check out their page on facebook.
By Kerry La
2 comments
The CostaRican Times seems to have left out a very important detail about this event. The featured speaker was arrested for and admitted to illegal smuggling of exotic wildlife from the country of Peru recently. It is important that people should know this and that this act does not meet the level of standards held by such notable and respected herpetologists.
Additionally, it is unknown why a respected business such as La Selva Lodge, who is hosting this event, condones such illegitimate activities since they proclaim to maintain the highest standards and are “Committed to conservation and preservation”…this seems the contrary.
I wonder if the other speakers, sponsors, or invited guests know that they are supporting an illegal wildife smuggler and poacher.
Reference:
http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2013/06/eco-tourism-guide-admits-to-smuggling-live-snakes-into-dallasfort-worth-international-airportin-jacket.html/
Nature Lover, Thanks for the information and no we did not know that. However, it does not surprise me in Costa Rica…..the terms “green” and “environmental protection” flew out the window down here a while back.