RTPI’s Twan Leenders Invited to Speak at Costa Rica’s International Herpetological Symposium IV

Costa Rica is home to 5% of the planet’s biodiversity. Though small in geographic area, the country has one of the highest densities of reptiles and amphibians species in the world with more than 440 species.

From September 6 – 9, 2018, the Selva Verde Lodge and Private Reserve in the lowland tropical rainforests of Sarapiquí, Costa Rica hosted the fourth International Herpetological Symposium. This event featured presentations and lectures on the conservation, taxonomy, ecology, and biology of reptiles and amphibians. Symposium attendees participated in conferences and field visits to observe reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitat; Investigated the impressive natural history of the Sarapiquí River; search for crocodiles, turtles, basilisks, and iguanas; and visited the nearby La Selva Biological Station of the Organization for Tropical Studies for a night hike.

 

RTPI’s President, Twan Leenders delivered talks on the insights gained from 25 years of experience researching amphibian populations in Central America, as well as on RTPI’s mission to encourage all people to Learn, Love, and Protect the natural world. This gathering was a great forum for people to share their knowledge and passion for the reptiles and amphibians of the tropics! Leenders authored a field guide to the amphibians of Costa Rica (Amphibians of Costa Rica – a Field Guide. Cornell University Press, 2017) and is currently writing another on the country’s reptiles.