In Chiapas, we’re proud to partner with PhD student Eduardo Reyes Grajales to advance turtle conservation through science and community collaboration. His work focuses on gathering essential biological and ecological data, assessing conservation status, and building community-led monitoring programs for multiple species.
By working closely with local communities, Eduardo is helping drive meaningful conservation across the region. In 2025 alone, his field efforts documented more than 425 individual turtles and included over 55 interviews with community members. This work not only provides critical insights into current turtle populations in Chiapas, but also preserves valuable local knowledge on historical abundance and recent declines.
Part of his critical efforts includes providing meaningful educational opportunities and materials to these communities. Eduardo created this coloring book, The Caparazónicos Vol. 1: ¡Conociendo a las Tortugas de México! (Getting to Know the Turtles of Mexico!) to bring children in the communities where we work in southeastern Mexico closer to the fascinating world of continental turtles (land and freshwater forms) while fostering early awareness about their conservation. This coloring book is distributed free of charge during the environmental education and awareness workshops we conduct in rural and/or indigenous communities in the state of Chiapas.
Through this initiative, we aim to connect younger generations with Mexico’s rich turtle diversity, highlighting iconic species such as the fully aquatic Central American river turtle (Dermatemys mawii) and the desert-dwelling Bolson tortoise (Gopherus flavomarginatus). The scientific information presented in the book has been carefully reviewed and validated by a committee of national and international experts, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
By combining science, storytelling, and art, the workshop creates an accessible and meaningful learning space where children can begin to understand the importance of protecting these unique species. At the heart of the workshop is an interactive coloring book designed to actively engage children. Each page features original illustrations developed in collaboration with La Blue 52, allowing participants not only to color but also to explore fun activities that reinforce key concepts about turtle biology, habitats, and conservation challenges. This hands-on approach encourages creativity, curiosity, and a sense of connection with wildlife, transforming learning into an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Building on this effort, we are currently developing Caparazónicos Vol. 2, which will address one of the most pressing threats to turtles: illegal wildlife trade. Support for this next volume is crucial to continue conservation actions for turtles in southeastern Mexico. This new volume will invite children and their families to reflect on the impacts of buying or keeping wild species and promote responsible, conservation-minded decisions. Through education and engagement, we hope to inspire a new generation to become active participants in the protection of turtles and their habitats.
Want to support conservation work and community engagement? Make an impact today.