What We’ve Achieved — Together…
For more than three years, we’ve been working across Mexico to protect native reptile species.
Our school visits have become one of our most effective tools—easy to organize, able to reach large numbers of people, and with a lasting impact on how communities relate to their local wildlife.
That’s why they are at the heart of our current fundraising campaign.
But our work hasn’t stopped there.
In addition to our school programs, we’ve carried out several other projects that we’d like to share with you.
None of this would have been possible without the support of herpetologists and reptile enthusiasts from around the world, who have stood by us with their expertise, experience, and financial contributions.
We are equally grateful to the people in the local communities—who welcome us with open arms and generously share the little they have.
With heartfelt thanks to:
Miguel Bioexotics, Rodolfo Camacho, James Corell, Emilia Estrada Bahena, Raul Figueroa, Felix Gutierrez, Miguel Gutierrez, Peter Heimes, Jonas Kyle, Miguel Angel Loranca, Luis Lugo, Jose Luis Martínez, Gustavo Monroy, Justin Munsterman, Savannah Noland, Efraín Octavio, David Quinto Sol, Natalia Quinto Sol, Adam Trimming, Shatty Violeta, Rene Villanueva Maldonado, Vojtech Vita.
The Dragoncitos Campaign
The most endangered reptile we encounter in the Sierra de Taxco is Deppes arboreal alligator lizard, Abronia deppii.
This remarkable species survives only in a handful of forest patches in Mexico—
it exists nowhere else on Earth.
Its population continues to decline year after year,
which makes its protection not only important,
but urgently necessary.
Knowledge That Saves Dragoncitos
In the Sierra de Taxco, we place educational signs deep in the forest—right where people forage for insects, mushrooms, and firewood.
These signs help community members understand that Abronia lizards aren’t venomous, aren’t aggressive, and pose no threat at all.
We write the messages in the voice of the animals themselves:
“I live among the bromeliads. I can’t hurt you. Please keep me safe.”
Speaking “as” the lizards may sound simple, but it works.
It builds a human connection—a moment of empathy—long before fear or myth can take hold.
And that small shift in understanding can mean survival for these mountain dragons.
​
Dragoncitos at a Glance
Pocket Guide
We created a compact fold-out flyer featuring the most important information about Abronia deppii.
These guides are distributed in the villages located within the remaining habitat of this endangered species.
The flyer lets the lizard “speak” for itself—
sharing, for example, that it loves to eat insects and uses its prehensile tail with remarkable skill as it climbs through the forest canopy.
Social Media Campaign
Social Media
We produced informational videos about Abronia deppii and shared them through targeted campaigns on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
One major advantage of social media is the ability to focus outreach on very specific geographic areas.
This allowed us to reach the people who actually live within the habitats of Abronia deppii—directly and efficiently.
Through these campaigns, we reached thousands of individuals—not only in the Sierra de Taxco, but also in the State of Mexico and in Michoacán.
The videos also opened the door to direct conversations with residents from these regions,
and together, we began shaping the first ideas for future conservation efforts.
The Mushroom Festival
Rainy season is mushroom season—and it’s also reptile season.
When people head into the forest to forage, reptiles and amphibians are at their most active.
That overlap inspired us to organize the Mushroom Festival in Taxco.
On the first day, we partnered with the UNAM campus, offering workshops and presentations.
Topics ranged from how to avoid accidents with venomous reptiles while foraging,
to simple techniques for cultivating edible mushrooms at home.
The second day took place on the Zócalo, Taxco’s central plaza.
There, we introduced visitors to live reptiles and shared engaging materials about their behavior and ecological importance.
We also provided free booth space to local mushroom gatherers from nearby communities,
giving them an opportunity to sell fresh and prepared mushrooms directly to the public.
Our heartfelt thanks goes out to all friends, organizations, and institutions
who helped make this special event possible.
In the Media
Our Media Appearances: YouTube, Radio & More
Scientific Research & Fieldwork
We partner year-round with universities and researchers to study the remarkable diversity and ecology of the region’s reptiles and amphibians.
