We are a Mexican civil organization formed in 2020 by biologists who, while conducting studies on turtles in different parts of Mexico, realized the great opportunity to involve young people from local communities in scientific activities. We recognized the immense need for financial support among these young individuals to attend school and for them to be provided with academic opportunities to develop their potential.
To conserve terrestrial and freshwater turtles in Mexico through research, monitoring, restoration, and the involvement of students from local communities. At the same time, support these young individuals in developing their potential as productive, responsible citizens, and stewards of their environment.
We work to live in a world where wild populations of turtles thrive, and where young people from rural communities can aspire to secure better jobs.
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Alejandra studied biology and obtained her Master’s degree in Biological Sciences from UNAM. Her professional interests have been quite diverse, including experience in studies related to water quality, plant ecophysiology, ornithology, and herpetology. Additionally, Alejandra has worked as a science communicator and educator at significant institutions in Mexico. Her profound interest in expanding wildlife conservation efforts in Mexico and collaborating with local communities for the common good led her to found ECN.
Taggert earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biology from Central Washington University. During his Master’s program, he lived at the Chamela Biology Station in Mexico for a year, studying the ecology of the Painted Wood Turtle (Rhinoclemmys rubida perixantha). Shortly thereafter, Taggert began his Ph.D. at UNAM, focusing on the study of Mexican turtles. His doctoral project took him to various locations in the country and inspired him to create ECN with the purpose of ensuring the continuous collection of data on turtle populations and providing support to communities in extreme poverty.
Eduardo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Natural Resources and Rural Development. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. focused on the local knowledge and functional ecology of the White Turtle in Mexico. He is a member of the State Researchers System, a regional collaborator of the Turtle Survival Alliance, a scientific advisor for CONABIO-CITES, and a member of the IUCN Freshwater Turtle and Tortoise Specialist Group. His interests encompass the ecology of freshwater turtles and the local knowledge of human communities about these organisms.
Félix, with a deep connection to nature since his childhood, developed as a park ranger in the majestic Monte Mojino Reserve. Throughout his journey, he actively participated in research projects in collaboration with national and international universities. This valuable experience has shaped him into a true expert in the local flora, fauna, and territory. Currently, he plays a crucial role as the leader of ECN in Sonora, meticulously overseeing the well-being of various turtle species and coordinating the Scholarship Program. His commitment to wildlife conservation is admirable.
Mario grew up in the lush jungle of the Puuc region in Yucatán. He has been working at the Kaxil Kiuc Biocultural Reserve for over a decade, collaborating with national and international universities on various conservation projects, such as the study of plant diversity, birds, amphibians, reptiles, forest restoration, and carbon storage, among others. Mario leads ECN in Yucatán, overseeing various turtle species and coordinating the Scholarship Program.
Miguel grew up in the lush jungle of the Puuc region in Yucatán. He has collaborated with various national and international researchers and organizations, such as the Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán and The Nature Conservancy, on projects related to the diversity of flora in the region and the monitoring of flora and fauna. Miguel is also actively involved in various community activities, from ecotourism to the sale of carbon credits. Miguel supports the Scholarship Program in Yucatán within ECN.
Xochiquetzal is a biologist who graduated from UMSNH, holding a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences from UNAM and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the Institute of Ecology at UNAM. She has conducted research at Virginia Commonwealth University, published articles and book chapters, and mentored undergraduate students. Her focus is on addressing evolutionary questions using molecular tools and in the field of conservation. Xochiquetzal has tackled issues related to population genetics, mating systems, phylogeography, geometric morphometrics, and landscape genetics in various vertebrate populations, including marine turtles, land turtles, and humpback whales.
Abel is a biologist who graduated from the University of Sonora. He completed his master’s degree in Biociences, specializing in the ecology of neotropical raptors and focusing his thesis on the territoriality of these birds. His passion for nature has led him to become involved in a variety of research projects, ranging from land turtles to fungi. He enjoys both nature hikes and soccer matches.
