Passion For Colombia’s Lizards
A group of passionate lizard scientists have published a guide to the dozens of species of Anolis: small, brightly-coloured tree lizards related to iguanas. Colombia holds more than 75 species of Anolis which are and males have large throat fans called dewlaps, to attract females. Camilo Andrés Estupiñan, a biologist at Icesi University in Colombia and a researcher at the Interandinos Foundation, is currently leading a project to create an illustrated guide of Anolis in Colombia. “Colombia has the greatest diversity of Anolis species in the world, and this book seeks to capture and share that richness,” he says, adding that this is a collaborative effort that came out of the Interandinos Foundation.
The illustrated guide aims to consolidate scattered information about Anolis species and contribute to biodiversity conservation. Maria, the illustrator of the book, has done an exceptional job capturing the unique characteristics of each species. The project is not only crucial for biodiversity conservation but also for fostering knowledge and appreciation of Colombia’s rich biodiversity, empowering local communities. Estupiñan hopes that this book will pave the way for future scientific dissemination projects on reptiles in Colombia, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding and conservation of these species.
Local communities in Colombia, such as farmers and indigenous people, play a crucial role in guarding the forests and maintaining biodiversity. They see biodiversity as part of their identity, and their knowledge can provide valuable data that enriches scientific research. Therefore, projects like the Anolis illustrated guide are fundamental in promoting knowledge and conservation of biodiversity while empowering these communities. Estupiñan believes that the integration of diverse voices and perspectives into global science is essential for effectively addressing environmental, social, and developmental challenges.
Biologist Jhan Salazar, a collaborator on the illustrated guide, has a deep passion for studying reptiles, particularly Anolis lizards. His research focuses on Anolis lizards, and he aspires to study other lizard genres, snakes, and frogs in the future. Growing up in the countryside of Cauca, Colombia, surrounded by nature, influenced his interest in reptiles. In 2019, Salazar was announced as the winner of the Young Afro-Colombian award. He graduated from the Biology Program at Icesi University and is now pursuing his PhD in Evolution, Ecology, and Population Biology at Washington University in St. Louis.
Both Estupiñan and Salazar represent scientists from the Global South who bring a deep understanding of ecological, social, and economic contexts to their research. This understanding is crucial for developing sustainable and effective solutions to local and global issues. In collaboration with the Interandinos Foundation, Estupiñan and Salazar are working to promote scientific research and environmental education in Colombia. Their efforts aim to have a real impact on the community and beyond, contributing to biodiversity conservation and empowering local communities to protect their natural resources. The passion for reptiles and the dedication to scientific research showcased by these scientists are inspiring examples of how individuals can make a difference in biodiversity conservation and scientific dissemination.
