Summary of OKC ZOO CARETAKER INSPIRED TO HELP GUATEMALAN BEADED LIZARD:
The content concerns the author’s experience as an animal caretaker at the Oklahoma City Zoo and their trip to Guatemala with the zoo’s Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians, Dr. Brad Lock. The trip supported the Foundation for the Conservation of the Endangered Species of Guatemala (FUNDESGUA) and aimed to conserve endangered lizard species and their habitats. The author describes their adventures in Guatemala, including placing camera traps in reserve, encountering wildlife, and visiting a breeding enclosure for beaded lizards. The author also mentions the trip’s impact on their understanding of microclimates and the importance of habitat protection.
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Summary:
– The author, a caretaker at the Oklahoma City Zoo, had the opportunity to join a conservation trip to Guatemala to help protect the critically endangered Guatemalan beaded lizard.
– The trip involved setting up camera traps to observe wildlife in the reserve, interacting with beaded lizards, and learning about their natural habitat.
– The author highlights the importance of conserving habitats and protecting every acre possible.
– The trip had an unexpected addition, a dog named Perrito, who followed the team and found a home with one of the conservation volunteers.
As an animal caretaker at the Oklahoma City Zoo, my days are filled with creating natural environments for the reptiles and amphibians in my care. It can be challenging to understand the exact preferences of each species, but gaining firsthand experience of their natural habitats is invaluable. Last November, I had the incredible opportunity to support one of our zoo’s conservation partners and join a trip to Guatemala to help protect the critically endangered Guatemalan beaded lizard (Heloderma charlesbogerti).
Accompanied by Dr. Brad Lock, the Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians at the OKC Zoo, we embarked on a journey to Guatemala with the Foundation for the Conservation of the Endangered Species of Guatemala (FUNDESGUA). Their mission is to conserve the Guatemalan beaded lizard and the critically endangered Campbell’s alligator lizard through habitat protection, research, and empowering local communities.
Upon arriving in Guatemala, I was introduced to FUNDESGUA’s co-founders, Monica Torres and Thomas Klaus, our translators and guides. Our first destination was a reserve in the Motagua Valley, which covers a vast area of eastern Guatemala, approximately 1,447 miles. This reserve allows FUNDESGUA to study the dry forest’s diverse wildlife, plants, and fungi.
During our time at the reserve, our main goal was to set up camera traps to observe wildlife and document their behavior. As we hiked through the dense vegetation, I was amazed by the stillness and silence of the surroundings. Unlike my experiences hiking in other areas, there were hardly any sounds of birds or insects. However, there was no shortage of fascinating flora. Thomas, who had developed a newfound interest in plants, constantly discovered unique orchids, while Monica directed her attention to the various fungi species.
Regarding animal encounters, the camera traps proved to be our main source of capturing wildlife activity. Aside from a tarantula, some bees, and a colony of army ants on a mission, the area seemed relatively devoid of animal life. However, during our hike, an unexpected visitor found us in the form of a friendly hound dog. This little dog became our fifth team member and accompanied us throughout our journey.
Placing the camera traps in areas that showed signs of animal activity, we baited them with bananas and set them up. Returning the following day, we discovered that our banana thieves were a chubby opossum and a deer. While it was fascinating to see these animals on camera, the lack of direct wildlife encounters emphasized the importance of conserving and protecting their habitats.
One of the most exciting aspects of the trip was visiting the beaded lizard breeding enclosure at FUNDESGUA. This enclosure in the forest’s heart is designed to house adult beaded lizards found within the reserve. The goal is to raise hatchlings and provide them with a head start in life. Unlike the beaded lizards I’m accustomed to working with at the zoo, these wild beaded lizards, known locally as “Escorpion,” are much more defensive. They arch their backs, hiss, open their mouths, and occasionally lunge, showcasing their evil nature.
Observing the beaded lizards’ behavior in their breeding enclosure was fascinating and enlightening. It was intriguing to see how the caretakers recreated their natural underground tunnel environment and provided access points for interaction. This enclosure’s design and concept have even been adapted and implemented at the OKC Zoo, where we also breed Guatemalan beaded lizards behind-the-scenes at the Herpetarium.
Reflecting on my time in the Motagua Valley, I became acutely aware of the incredible diversity of microclimates in such a relatively small area. This experience reinforced the importance of protecting every acre we can. Each habitat is unique and crucial for the survival of the species that call it home.
While the trip had its focus on conservation efforts, there was also room for surprises. Our newfound furry friend, Perrito, joined us for a 3-hour hike and never strayed from our sight. He climbed to the reserve’s highest point and back down to our truck. We couldn’t leave such a dedicated biologist behind, so we took him with us and found him a loving home with one of FUNDESGUA’s volunteers.
In conclusion, my journey to Guatemala with FUNDESGUA was an eye-opening experience that provided invaluable insights into the natural habitat and behaviors of the elusive Guatemalan beaded lizard. It reiterated the importance of conservation and the need to protect these fragile ecosystems. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to preserving wildlife and wild places and encourage everyone to support organizations like FUNDESGUA in their crucial mission.
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