Iguana 13.2 b&w text


Extinction Imminent. The Guatemalan Beaded
Lizard (Heloderma horridum charlesbogerti),

endemic to the arid, desert region of southeastern
Guatemala’s Motagua Valley, is one of the most endan-
gered reptiles in the world. First seen by scientists in
1984 and formally described in 1988, only a decade
later the species was thought to be extinct in the wild.
In 2002, a few individuals were found and limited
studies obtained the first, sparse data on their lives in
the wild, but most of this creature’s life history remains
a mystery.

The Motagua Valley is a small sliver of desert
habitat, isolated on all sides by massive cloud-forested
mountains and rainforested valleys. These Guatemalan
lizards have evidently existed in total isolation for many
thousands of years. Deforestation for cantaloupe,
tobacco, and milpa (feed corn) farming has reduced the
already tiny amount of suitable habitat for this species
to about 16,200 ha and estimates suggest that this is
sufficient to sustain at most 150–200 individuals.
Negative myths and attitudes have long led local peo-
ple to kill these venomous lizards on sight. Also, the
rarity of this subspecies in particular and the rising pop-
ularity of Beaded Lizards and Gila Monsters (H. suspec-
tum) as captives have led to exploitation for the pet
trade. Estimates suggest that approximately 35 individ-
uals were captured and sold abroad during the 1990s.

With the recent rediscovery of the species and two
natural history studies performed with support of Zootropic, an interested NGO, the government of Guatemala has shown
interest in protecting these animals and their habitat. In addition, Zootropic has launched an educational campaign target-
ing villagers in areas surrounding Beaded Lizard habitat. Since 2004, no reports exist of lizards being killed or sold. Studies
are needed and planned to answer basic questions concerning critical habitat needs. Resultant data will be used to guide land
preservation decisions. A proposed breeding facility in the Motagua Valley is needed, and any young animals produced would
be slated for attempted reintroduction into protected habitat.

How You Can Help: With fewer than 200 individual Guatemalan Beaded Lizards remaining, your help is desperately needed
to save these unique creatures. Wayne Hill and the National Reptile Breeder’s Expo will be donating all proceeds from this
year’s annual auction to “Project Heloderma.” To make this auction the greatest success possible, we need auction items.
Monies collected for this fund will go only to efforts to save the Guatemalan Beaded Lizard, specifically to fund conserva-
tion research projects, raise awareness within its home range about its plight, and build an in-country breeding facility. For
more information, to volunteer, or to donate auction items, please log on to:

www.IRCF.org/projectheloderma

F O C U S  O N  C O N S E R V A T I O N

Guatemalan Beaded Lizard 
(Heloderma horridum charlesbogerti)

Project Heloderma

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