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“Mano de Piedra” Snake Venom: A Fascinating Journey through Its Toxicity and Changes Throughout Its Life
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“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
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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…

Fascinating and the greatest travelers: meet the shorebirds!
Blog Maya-Ethnozoology

Fascinating and the greatest travelers: meet the shorebirds!

Shorebirds are celebrated each year on September 6th. The Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) (a conservation initiative for protecting critical habitats for shorebirds throughout the Americas) created it in 2012. The main goals of this date are to promote conservation of shorebirds and their habitats, to raise public awareness about the need for ongoing…

NATIONAL PARKS: A treasure for conservation
Blog FLAAR Mesoamerica Izabal

NATIONAL PARKS: A treasure for conservation

International Day of National Parks August 24th, 2023 Parque Nacional Río Dulce. Haniel López, 2021.  Every year we celebrate the International Day of National Parks on August 24th. This day raises awareness for global efforts towards conservation. National parks are decreed for many reasons such as historical, aesthetic, scientific value, cultural value, for recreational purposes,…

Cacao in the Mayan Culture and other interesting facts
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Cacao in the Mayan Culture and other interesting facts

Cacao is a small evergreen tree in the family Malvaceae. Its seeds, commonly named cocoa beans, are used to make chocolate, cocoa butter, cocoa solids, and chocolate liquor. The cacao tree was an important aspect of Mesoamerican civilizations´ customs and beliefs. Especially for the Mayan societies that utilized cacao for ritualistic purposes. Evidence suggests that…

Trees to admire today, the international day for the preservation of tropical forests
Blog Maya-ethnobotany

Trees to admire today, the international day for the preservation of tropical forests

Tropical forests are all forests which are located in the tropics, or put in other words, closer to the equator line. They are generally characterized by higher temperatures, bigger amounts of rainfall, and particularly, broader biodiversity indexes. Taking into account that tropical forests are those that grow in the tropics, they can be classified according…

The Quetzal bird is great national symbol for Guatemala; Let’s show the world that frangipani, flor de maya, is also native to Guatemala
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The Quetzal bird is great national symbol for Guatemala; Let’s show the world that frangipani, flor de maya, is also native to Guatemala

Frangipani flowers are the most famous flower of Hawaii (in lei decorations as fragrant necklaces for visitors). I have seen frangipani flowers in gardens and parks in Singapore, Dubai, China and around the world. But Plumeria rubra is native to Guatemala and adjacent countries. In two excellent books on PLUMERIA, by capable experienced gardeners and…

WETLANDS – A Hidden Biodiversity Treasure International Day for Biological Diversity
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WETLANDS – A Hidden Biodiversity Treasure International Day for Biological Diversity

Up to 40% of Earth’s biodiversity lives, breeds or depends on Wetland Ecosystems. However, 25% of wetland biodiversity is in risk of extinction. Biological diversity is essential to the equilibrium of life on Earth. With the ongoing destruction of several ecosystems disturbing this beautiful balance, the United Nations proclaimed May 22nd as the International Day…

Mangroves of Rio San Pedro, amusing cases of ecology and evolutionary history
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Mangroves of Rio San Pedro, amusing cases of ecology and evolutionary history

In March of 2023 our expedition team found and documented mangrove trees along Rio San Pedro. Since then, we have learned a lot about these remarkable trees. Mangroves have bright green leaves. Photo by: David Arrivillaga. Rio San Pedro, March, 2023. Our team first learned about these mangrove remnants primarily through a research publication by…