Our talented field assistant and jaguar guardian Laqui Duarte fills many roles on the Northern Jaguar Reserve and Viviendo con Felinos ranches. Below he shares a glimpse of life in the field.

I like this photo because it represents at least one part of the beauty found on the Northern Jaguar Reserve. This is the Arroyo Babisal, and I usually walk around here looking for small animals.

Camaleón, regal horned lizard (Phrynosoma solare): When I see this lizard, I think of dinosaurs. It seems like they have not changed a lot over the years. These lizards are well adapted to this dry environment. If you look carefully, you will see it is changing its skin.

I found this beetle at Babisal de Abajo. I like beetles because they are so strong considering their size. Their exoskeleton is very hard!

Culebra de collar, ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus): This is a rare snake, and it is difficult to see in the field. I have only seen one a couple of times. Part of the difficulty is because its color is very similar to the color of the ground.

Culebra chirrionera; coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum): I was working on the Bábaco ranch and got a little scared when I first saw this snake, but after a few seconds I started taking pictures of it.

Coyote tracks are commonly seen on the reserve, especially if you are hiking to check the motion-triggered cameras. Do you also see the mouse tracks in this photo? Those are not so common.

Insecto palo, stick insect: One day I was riding a horse to check a camera on the reserve. While riding, I came in contact with many plants and that’s when I saw this insect in the horse’s reins. I stopped and left the insect where it would be safe.

Zopilote aura, turkey vulture (Cathartes aura): I was in the field working with a camera on one of the Viviendo con Felinos ranches when I saw this bird directly in front of me.

Palma real (Sabal uresana): When I saw the height of this palm tree, it was a surprise…. It is so tall!