Gama Castañeda

With more than 20 years of experience in research, teaching, and wildlife conservation, Gama is a biologist and Doctor of Science specializing in reptiles and the biodiversity of arid ecosystems. He has been a professor and researcher at the Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango (UJED) since 2008, where he currently leads the Herpetology Laboratory and is a founding member of the Biodiversity Richness, Interactions, and Conservation Academic Group.

His work focuses on the ecology and conservation of reptiles, particularly endemic and vulnerable species of the Chihuahuan Desert. He has participated in more than 23 national and international research and conservation projects, published nearly 80 scientific and outreach papers, and supervised 33 undergraduate and graduate theses. His professional experience also includes serving as Deputy Director of the Sierra y Cañón de Jimulco Municipal Ecological Reserve and collaborating with protected areas and international organizations, including Turtle Conservancy, on wildlife conservation projects in Mapimí and Cuatro Ciénegas.

Gama is a member of Mexico’s National System of Researchers (Level 2), a former Editor-in-Chief of the Mexican Herpetological Society journal, and a reviewer for national and international scientific journals. He also has professional experience in the care and management of reptiles under human care.

Passionate about conservation and environmental education, he combines scientific research, field experience, and teaching to support the conservation of wildlife and the ecosystems on which it depends.