History of the Journal
After the publication of Conservation of Mesoamerican Amphibians and Reptiles (2010; edited by L. D. Wilson, J. H. Townsend, and J. D. Johnson), several of the book’s 43 contributors began discussing the possibility of holding a herpetological conference in Honduras, primarily to conduct a conservation workshop for Central American reptiles. Another reason for the meeting, however, was to introduce the idea of forming a herpetological society for Mexico and Central America, through which a journal might be published.
Eventually, the Escuela Agrícola Panamericana (in Zamorano, Honduras) agreed to host the conference. As preparations were underway for that gathering, NatureServe (under the auspices of the IUCN) announced plans to hold a similar conservation workshop in Costa Rica. Because travel funds were available for some of the participants of the NatureServe workshop, and the competing meetings would have involved many of the same people, the conference in Honduras was cancelled.
The Central American Squamate Red List Workshop was held in early May of 2012 at Parque Nacional Palo Verde, Costa Rica (see Herpetological Review 43: 368–370). One evening, several of the attendees met to discuss the formation of a regional herpetological society, as well as the publication of a journal. An Action Plan later was drafted and circulated among several hundred members of the herpetological community, to determine their degree of interest in this undertaking.
Although the Action Plan generated considerable feedback, the level of support was not enough to move forward with the idea of forming a regional herpetological society. Nonetheless, numerous people were excited at the prospect of a new regional journal, and offered their encouragement, support, and cooperation.
Consequently, in March of 2014 Eagle Mountain Publishing began preparations to launch Mesoamerican Herpetology. Our goal is to have the journal grow in stature and academic excellence, so that in time it can be used as a steppingstone to establish the regional herpetological society a number of dedicated herpetologists once envisioned.
Eventually, the Escuela Agrícola Panamericana (in Zamorano, Honduras) agreed to host the conference. As preparations were underway for that gathering, NatureServe (under the auspices of the IUCN) announced plans to hold a similar conservation workshop in Costa Rica. Because travel funds were available for some of the participants of the NatureServe workshop, and the competing meetings would have involved many of the same people, the conference in Honduras was cancelled.
The Central American Squamate Red List Workshop was held in early May of 2012 at Parque Nacional Palo Verde, Costa Rica (see Herpetological Review 43: 368–370). One evening, several of the attendees met to discuss the formation of a regional herpetological society, as well as the publication of a journal. An Action Plan later was drafted and circulated among several hundred members of the herpetological community, to determine their degree of interest in this undertaking.
Although the Action Plan generated considerable feedback, the level of support was not enough to move forward with the idea of forming a regional herpetological society. Nonetheless, numerous people were excited at the prospect of a new regional journal, and offered their encouragement, support, and cooperation.
Consequently, in March of 2014 Eagle Mountain Publishing began preparations to launch Mesoamerican Herpetology. Our goal is to have the journal grow in stature and academic excellence, so that in time it can be used as a steppingstone to establish the regional herpetological society a number of dedicated herpetologists once envisioned.