Mexico is one of the countries with the greatest diversity of amphibians and reptiles in the world, with approximately 1,081 species—983 of which are native, and 590 endemic. In the state of Sonora, 197 of these species can be found: 38 amphibians and 159 reptiles. In total, 186 are native or endemic to the region.
For the past two years, a group of biologists from the Centro Ecológico de Hermosillo, the University of Sonora, and the Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora have been working to form a network that brings together researchers from the state, the University of Arizona, and other institutions across the country. Their goal is to establish the Herpetological Association of the State of Sonora.
This association aims to gather, compile, and share data produced by different institutions, create databases, conduct research, and disseminate knowledge about the current state of herpetofauna populations, with the ultimate goal of preserving this valuable biodiversity legacy.
To become formally established, the group has built partnerships with supporting organizations and companies, including GPG, which has backed the initiative from the start—supporting both the formation of the group and the organization of the first herpetofauna seminar.
The event was designed to bring together academics and the general public to share research findings and raise funds. GPG was proud to take part, supporting the initiative and encouraging continued progress toward its shared goal.
