During our first 2024 expedition we got to learn about and visit Poza del Nance, a coastal pool in Sipacate that is among the only places in the world where sea turtles can be sighted all year long. It was inevitably one of the most inspiring and beautiful experiences the FLAAR team got to experience,…
Tikal: Guatemala’s Cultural and Natural Heritage Site in the Heart of the Maya Forest
In Guatemala we have a very strong cultural heritage, with a unique combination of Maya, European and Caribbean influences. Guatemala’s Mayan cultural heritage is specifically strong, representing the diversity of over twenty different Mayan groups, each with different languages, traditional ethnic wears, colors, foods and worldviews. They all share some similarities, some more than others,…
Symbiosis: Mastering the Harmony of Coexistence on Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a good day to celebrate love, affection, friendship and all types of relationships, from the most beneficial to those that could be a little harmful. There is no better way to do this than by talking about the relationships that exist in nature and in the ecosystems that surround us. Scientifically, relationships…
The role of carbon sinks in mitigating climate change and their current status
Nature has unique resources to regulate the temperature on the planet. Known as carbon sinks, which are natural deposits such as oceans, forests, and soils that absorb and sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, reducing its presence in the air and increasing oxygen (O2) concentrations. The main carbon sinks were from the production of…
Between Roars and Thermometers: The Climatic Dance of Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata) Behavior
“Patrón de actividad diurno de los monos aulladores de manto (Alouatta palliata) y su variación en función de factores climáticos” By Biologist María Pira Who are the Mantled Howler Monkeys? The Alouatta palliata monkey, known as the “mantled howler monkey”, is a fascinating species of the primates that inhabits tropical regions of Mesoamerica…
Blog Educational material FLAAR Mesoamerica Flora and fauna research Maya-ethnobotany Maya-Ethnozoology
How do we celebrate Christmas in Guatemala? Take a closer look at the Native Christmas Species
December is a particular month, full of joy and reflection on what has been accomplished during the year. The fruits and flowers stand out, with their colors and flavors making this season even more special. One of the signs that the end of the year has arrived in Guatemala is to look around and find…
Cobán Climbing Salamander: An Example of How Genetic Differentiation Affect a Species’ Populations
In recent years, biologists have developed a deeper understanding and concern about how the relationship between genetic diversity can influence the population structure of a species. They have understood how geographic and ecological variations often divide species into subspecies or other distinct populations of individuals that are closely related to each other and not to…
“Mano de Piedra” Snake Venom: A Fascinating Journey through Its Toxicity and Changes Throughout Its Life
Guatemala and the entire Mesoamerican region are sites teeming with a rich diversity of fauna and flora. Numerous studies related to these subjects have been conducted in these areas by outstanding Guatemalan scientists. These investigations contribute significantly, not only to science but also to expanding our understanding of the fascinating species surrounding us in Mesoamerica.…
Global Conservation: Celebrating World Ecology and Ecologist Day
On November 1st, we celebrate the 157th anniversary of the World Ecology and Ecologist Day. This day is meant to remind people of the significance of knowing and valuing the relationships that exist between living beings and their environment and to raise awareness among our society about the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with…
Mammals: Beautiful curiosities
Everyone knows that us humans, along with our furry family members, our cats and dogs, are all classified as mammals. But, did you know that mammals can be that and so much more? Tiny bumblebee bats can weigh less than two grams, while a fellow mammal, a majestic blue whale, can weigh more than 180…