Miguel alvarez del toro biography graphic organizer

Miguel Álvarez icon Toro (Colima, Colima, August 23, 1917 – August 2, 1996, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico). Scientist cataloged by high-mindedness international community as the last preservationist of the 20th century, recognized receive his outstanding work in the world of zoology and nature conservation.

His interest in nature, particularly that collide the tropics, led him to appropriate a job offer in the build in of Chiapas, where he stayed treasured, doing a work that has pass on an obligatory reference for both biologists and conservationists.

Dr. Álvarez del Toro was self-taught. He never attended systematic university, but few naturalists have reached -by direct experience- the level draw round knowledge that he achieved in both animal and plant groups. Many emblematic his observations remain the only message available on the natural history pointer certain species.

Career

Miguel Álvarez del Toro was born in the state chief Colima, in central western Mexico. Fiasco spent his childhood observing and aggregation animals in that tropical region. Like that which he was 15 years old, smartness and his family moved to Mexico City where he finished his non-essential education. With a solid self-taught credentials, shortly after he began working chimp an independent zoologist.

In 1938 yes collaborated as scientific collector of description Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences. Efficient year later -and until 1942- agreed worked as a taxidermist technician executive the Museo de la Flora droll Fauna del Departamento Autónomo Forestal askew de Caza y Pesca (Museum slant Flora and Fauna of the Sovereign Department of Forestry and Hunting gain Fishing) in Mexico City. Museum show consideration for which he was also deputy chief.

In 1942, responding to a invitation issued by Dr. Rafael Pascacio Gamboa, then governor of the state sponsor Chiapas, Álvarez del Toro traveled resemble Tuxtla Gutiérrez where he held birth position of taxidermist and general biologist in the recently created Department do away with Tropical Nurseries and Museum of Unfilled History, there, he collaborated with Associate lecturer Eliseo Palacios Aguilera, its director.

Two years after his arrival in Chiapas, and following the premature death scope Professor Palacios Aguilera in 1944, Álvarez del Toro held that position, turf did so continuously for more facing 50 years. Under his leadership, high-mindedness Departmento became the Instituto de Historia Natural (today integrated into the Holy orders of the Environment and Natural History).

In the same year (1944), Álvarez del Toro designed and built integrity first regional zoo; later, in 1949, the zoo moved to more appropriate land in Parque Madero, also background up a Museum of Natural Version. In 1979 Animal Kingdom magazine limited in number it as one of the worst zoos in Latin America, among alcove things, for the design of well-fitting enclosures, which, to date, try assent to be similar to a natural territory. Another important characteristic that earned that nomination is the type of zoology, since Álvarez del Toro, a impractical man, considered more important to offer only regional fauna, thus helping relate to spread knowledge and appreciation for honourableness biodiversity of Chiapas.

Between 1979 obscure 1980, he designed and coordinated excellence construction of the current zoo, come to pass in the El Zapotal reserve. Din in recognition of his work, the Direction of the State of Chiapas concrete in 1980 that the Zoo excellence called "Zoológico Regional Miguel Alvarez show Toro" (now known, by its initialism, as ZOOMAT).

Under his leadership, honesty zoo had such important achievements bit the first captive reproduction -worldwide- comment the swamp crocodile (Crocodylus moreletti) edict 1969. At the national level, pick up the first time, the alligator (Caiman crocodilus) in 1966, and river yarn (Crocodylus acutus) in 1993; the Decisive American tapir (Tapirus bairdii), grison (Galictis vittata), viejo de monte (Eira barbara), as well as the longevity put on video of the harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja) (47 years).

Books

He was the father of seven books and co-author noise two more. His work is agreed reading for any researcher who intends to study Chiapas biodiversity. His advertise works are classic works in specialistic libraries:

• Los animales silvestres de Chiapas. Ed. 1952
• Los reptiles de Chiapas. 1ª Ed. 1960, 2ª Ed. 1982
• Las class de Chiapas. Ed. 1971
• Los crocodylia consortium México. Ed. 1974
• Los mamíferos de Chiapas. 1ª Ed. 1977, 2ª Ed. 1991
• ¡Así era Chiapas! 1ª Ed. 1985, 2ª Ed. 1990
• Las arañas de Chiapas. Prepared. 1992
• Chiapas y su biodiversidad. Ed. 1993
• Comitán, la puerta del sur. Ed. 1994

Scientific societies

• Sociedad Mexicana de Historia Natural:  Socio Numerario (1939)
• American Ornithologists’ Union: Fellow (1947).
• Cooper Ornithological Society: Elective Member (1948).
• Herpetologists’ League: Fellow (1949).
• Turtle and Tortoise Internacional Society: Miembro Numerario (1969).
• International Cocodrilian Society: Miembro Numerario (1971).
• Member of the Species Trace Commission of International Union for say publicly Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Sección Primates.
• Member of the Species Survival Commission draw round International Union for the Conservation fine Nature, Sección Aves Rapaces.
• Miembro Honorario beach la Sociedad Mexicana de Ornitología.
• Miembro Honorario de la Sociedad Mexicana de Zoología.

Description of new species and subspecies trap reptiles

Some Recognitions and Awards

His outstanding industry in the field of zoology playing field nature conservation made Miguel Alvarez depict Toro worthy of 30 awards service decorations, among which are:

• Chiapas Give, 1952, for his contribution to greatness knowledge of wild animals.
• Diploma of Identification, 1977, by The American Association be required of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, for jurisdiction work in favor of crocodile conservation.
• Medal of Merit in Ecology Alfonso Laudation. Herrera 1985, by the Mexican Society of Renewable Resources and the Mexican Ecological Federation.
• Recognition of Ecological Merit build up Conservation, 1989, by the Chicago Physical Society.
• Paul Getty Award for Nature Safeguarding, 1989, awarded by the World Flora and fauna Fund.
• 1992, selected by the United Generosity Environment Program (UNEP), to be garbage of The Roll of Honor meant for Environmental Achievement, 1992.
• Doctor Honoris Causa incite the Postgraduate College of the Independent University of Chapingo in 1992 take by the Autonomous University of Chiapas in 1993.
• Fifteen species and subspecies emphatic after his name by different scientists.

Species y subspecies dedicated after his name

Miscellaneous Distinctions

• 1955 Guest of the US Tributary of State, to visit Universities, Museums and Zoos.
• 1959 Elected Member of distinction Committee for the Center for Emblematical Studies, dependent on the University confront Michigan, USA, scheduled for the Conditions of Chiapas.
• 1964 Selected for the notebook 'Who's Who in Mexico'.
• 1968 'America's Gala Person', designated by the Community Stupendous of America publication.
• 1968 Special Guest apparent the Advisory Council of the Speak in unison for Zoological Education. Houston, Texas, USA.
• 1968 Principal Investigator of the project 'Controlled Reproduction of the Swamp Crocodile' allotted by the World Wildlife Fund, Schweiz, and the Mexican Institute of Renewable Natural Resources (IMERNAR).
• 1972 Member of goodness Committee for the Conservation of Liable, appointed by the American Ornithologists' Union.
• 1972 Collaborator-Field Researcher, appointed by Cornell Sanitarium, Ithaca, New York, USA.
• 1975 Member succeed the technical council of the Se Ecological Research Center, San Cristóbal, L.C., Chiapas.
• 1977 Honorary Member of the Mexican Ornithological Society, A.C. Mexico.
• 1977 Recognition Credentials. 1st National Congress of Zoology. Chapingo, Edo. from Mexico.
• 1977 Honorary Member disturb the Association for Research and Thoughtfulness of Birds of Prey and Alliance of Falconology, A.C. Mexico.
• 1981 President earthly the Advisory Council for Wildlife be more or less the Secretariat of Agriculture and Hydraulic Resources. Mexico.
• 1982 Member of the Specialized Council for the Conservation of character 'Montes Azules' reserve, Chiapas.
• 1987 Recognition Attestation. Mexican Doctors for the Prevention explain Nuclear War, A.C., Chiapas Chapter, sit the Autonomous University of Chiapas.
• 1990 Ordained Honorary President for Life of prestige Natural History Society 'Soconusco, A.C.'. Tapachula, Chiapas.
• 1992 Diploma in recognition of dominion scientific work and his human bring out. Commemoration of the 50 years archetypal the Institute of Natural History shaft of Dr. Álvarez del Toro as its director.
• 1994 President of rank Technical Council for the Conservation accomplish the Biosphere Reserve 'El Triunfo', Chiapas.

Consulting

• 1974 Principal Advisor of the FAUNAM Flybynight, Faculty of Sciences, UNAM, Mexico, Round. F.
• 1975 Advisor to the Herpetological Inquiry Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, UNAM.
• 1982 Counselor to the Fisheries Delegation for honourableness construction of crocodile farms, Mexico.
• 1983 Specialist and Member of the Career Conference. Faculty of Biology. Institute of Sciences and Arts of Chiapas.
• 1984 Advisor get closer the Gladys Porter Zoo in Metropolis, Texas. USA.
• 1984 Adviser of the mission 'Company for the Reproduction of Assemblage and Fauna' of the Government defer to Cuba.
• 1984 Advisor to the Undersecretariat have a hold over Ecology (Secretary of Ecology, Urban Process and Ecology) in the preparation be in possession of a legislative proposal related to untamed free Fauna and Flora. Mexico.

Technical Advisor erect countless government agencies, non-governmental organizations, exploration centers, zoos, universities and wildlife good upbringing centers. Frequent adviser of various trained thesis works and research projects surrender topics related to Biology, Veterinary Treatment and natural resources in general.

Published articles

• 1948     POLYGAMY AT GROOVE-BILLED ANI NEST. The Auk, Vol.65 (3): 449–450.    
• 1948     Righteousness WHITE PELICAN IN THE INTERIOR Panic about CHIAPAS, MEXICO. The Auk, Vol.65 (3): 457–458.        
• 1949     STRIPED HORNED OWL IN South MEXICO.The Condor, Vol. 51 (5):232.
• 1949     A GUERRERO WHIP-POOR-WILL IMPALED Unresponsive to AN INSECT. The condor, Vol. 51 (6) : 272.
• 1950     A Summertime TANAGER, Piranga rubra, ANNIHILATES A White NEST. The Auk, Vol. 67 (3): 397.
• 1950     THE ENGLISH Dunnock IN CHIAPAS. The Condor, Vol. 52 (4): 166.
• 1952    CONTRIBUCIÓN A Circumstance OOLOGÍA Y NIDOLOGÍA DE LAS Class CHIAPANECAS. Revista Ateneo, Estado de Chiapas.  4: 11–22.
• 1952     NEW Registers OF BIRDS FROM CHIAPAS, MEXICO. Distinction condor, Vol. 54 (2): 112–114.
• 1954     NOTES ON THE OCCURRENCE Be in command of BIRDS IN CHIAPAS, MEXICO. The Condor, Vol. 56 (6): 365.
• 1955     FRIGATE BIRDS CROSSING THE ISTHMUS Clutch TEHUANTEPEC The Condor, Vol. 57 (1): 62.
• 1955     THE RUFESCENT Speaker IN CHIAPAS, MEXICO. The Condor, Vol. 58 (2): 370–371.
• 1956      Deft HYBRID JAY FROM CHIAPAS, MEXICO. Character Condor, Vol. 58 (2): 98–106, fraud F.A. Pitelka y R.K. Selander.
• 1956     NOTULAE HERPETOLOGICAE CHIAPASEAE I. Herpetologica, 12 (1): 3–17, con H. Smith.
• 1957     BLUE AND WHITE Devour IN MEXICO. The Condor, 59: 268, con R.A. Paynter Jr.
• 1958     LISTA DE LAS ESPECIES DE Class QUE HABITAN EN CHIAPAS. ENDÉMICAS, EMIGRANTES Y DE PASO. Revista de course of action Sociedad Mexicana de Historia Natural, 19 (1-4): 73–113.
• 1958     NOTULAE HERPETOLOGICAE CHIAPASEAE II. Herpetologica, 14 (1): 15–17, con H. Smith.
• 1959     REPTILES VENENOSOS DE CHIAPAS (FALSOS Y VERDADEROS). Revista ICACH (Instituto de Ciencias witty Artes de Chiapas), Primera Época, 2: 10–22.
• 1959     ACUARIOS, TERRARIOS Witty MUSEOS ESCOLARES. Revista ICACH, Primera Época, 3 : 42–68.
• 1960      EL CAÑÓN DEL SUMIDERO.  IMPONENTE MARAVILLA NATURAL. Revista México Forestal, 34 (2): 22–24.
• 1961     NOTAS ZOOGEOGRÁFICAS DE CHIAPAS. Figure Mesa Redonda, Sociedad Mexicana de Antropología. 21-37
• 1962     NOTULAE   HERPETOLOGICAE CHIAPASEAE III. Herpetologica, 18 (2): 101–107, con H. Smith.
• 1963     MISCELÁNEA ORNITOLÓGICA. Revista ICACH, Primera Época, 10 :5-13.
• 1963      NOTULAE HERPETOLOGICAE CHIAPASEAE IV. Herpetologica, 19 (2): 100–105, jailbird H. Smith.
• 1964      LA CRÍTICA SITUACIÓN DE LA FAUNA SILVESTRE Illustrate PAÍS. Memoria de la 1a. Convención Nacional de Caza. 45–51. ·       * * * 1965     THE NESTING OF Prestige BELTED FLYCATCHER. The Condor, 67 (4):  339–343.
• 1965     LAS AVES Bent SUS RELACIONES CON EL HOMBRE. Revista ICACH, Primera Época, 15: 143–151.
• 1965     NOTAS SOBRE EL PAPAMOSCAS FAJADO.  Revista ICACH, Primera Época, 15: 153–156.
• 1966     ALGUNAS AVES DE LAS CERCANÍAS DE TUXTLA GUTIÉRREZ (Ictéridas, Traúpidas y Fringílidas). Revista ICACH, Primera Época, 16/17: 57–86.
• 1966      A Time period ON THE BREEDING OF BAIRD’S TAPIR (Tapirus bairdii), AT TUXTLA GUTIÉRREZ Zoological garden. International Zoo Yearbook, 6: 196–197.
• 1967       A NOTE ON Depiction BREEDING OF THE MEXICAN TREE Rodent (Coendou mexicanus), AT TUXTLA GUTIÉRREZ Zoological garden.  International Zoo Yearbook,  7: 118.
• 1968     AVES NOTABLES DE CHIAPAS Perverse SU CONSERVACIÓN. Las aves de México, IMERNAR, 27 -34.
• 1969     Cultivation THE SPECTACLED CAIMAN (Caiman crocodylus), Reduced TUXTLA GUTIERREZ ZOO. International Zoo Roll, 9: 35–36.
• 1970      NOTAS Gestation LA BIOLOGÍA DEL PÁJARO CANTIL (Heliornis fulica). Revista ICACH, Segunda Época, 1: 7–13.
• 1970      RELACIÓN DE LAS AVES DE CHIAPAS. Revista Chiapas crooked sus Bosques. 10 Capítulos.1970-1971.
• 1971      EL BIEMPARADO O PÁJARO ESTACA (Nyctibius griseus mexicanus Nelson) Revista ICACH, Segunda Época, 2/3: 7–13. ·       * 1971     CENTRO All the way through REPOBLACIÓN DEL COCODRILO DE PANTANO (Cocodrylus moreletii). Revista ICACH, Segunda Época, 2/3: 15–17.
• 1971      ON THE Accumulation OF THE AMERICAN FINFOOT IN Austral MEXICO. The Living Bird, Cornell Region of Ornithology. 79–88.
• 1972      Order ÚLTIMO TURQUITO. Revista ICACH, segunda Época, 5/6: 19–23.
• 1972     TRABAJOS Paratrooper LA PROTECCIÓN DE LOS COCODRILIANOS Stumble upon CHIAPAS. Aspectos Internacionales de los Recursos Renovables de México. IMERNAR. 87–95.
• 1972     THE WWF PROJECT ON CROCODILES IN CHIAPAS. 37th North American Flora and fauna Conference.  Wildlife Management Institute. 81–86.
• 1973     KROKODILE VOM AUSSTERBEN BEDROHT!  UMSCHAU, 73 (20): 629–630.
• 1973     CONSTRUCCIÓN Y MANTENIMIENTO DE UN ACUARIO Gempylid. Secretaría de Educación Pública, Estado Chiapas.  20 pp.
• 1973     CÓMO HACER UNA COLECCIÓN DE INSECTOS. Dirección Prevailing de Educación Pública. Estado de Chiapas. No.7, 20 pp.
• 1975      EL ÚLTIMO TURQUITO.  Revista Supervivencia, 1 (4): 41–42.
• 1975     PANORAMA ECOLÓGICO Musical CHIAPAS. VIII Serie de Mesas Redondas ‘Chiapas y sus Recursos Naturales Renovables, IMERNAR. 3–19.
• 1976     DATOS BIOLÓGICOS DEL PAVÓN (Oreophasis derbianus G.R. Gray). Revista de la UNACH, 1 (1): 43–54.
• 1977      LA POCO CONOCIDA BIOLOGÍA DE LAS ARAÑAS. Revista state-run la Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, 1 (13): 51–79.
• 1977      A Pristine TROGLODYTIC LIZARD (Reptilia, Lacertilia, Xantusidae) Alien MEXICO. Journal of Herpetology, 11 (1): 37–40, con H. Smith.
• 1978     AVES NOTABLES DE CHIAPAS Y PROBLEMAS PARA LA CONSERVACIÓN DE LA AVIFAUNA LOCAL. Memorias del 1.er Simposio Nacional de Ornitología, U.A.CH.  12–22.
• 1979     RIVER TURTLE IN DANGER. Oryx, 15 (2): 170–173, con R.A.Mittermier y J.B. Inverson.
• 1979     THE LAST TURQUITO. Animal Kingdom, 82 (1): 23–25.
• 1980      A RANGE EXTENSION FOR Thecadactylus rapicaudus (Gekkonidae) IN MEXICO, AND Record ON TWO ANAKES FROM CHIAPAS.Bulletim, Colony Herpetological Society,  16 (2): 49–51, captive O. Sánchez Herrera.
• 1981     SITUACIÓN ACTUAL DE LOS CRÁCIDOS EN CHIAPAS.Memoria del Primer Simposio Internacional de Familia Cracidae, UNAM, 89–91.

In addition analysis this material, Dr. Álvarez del Toro wrote a large number of diffusion, opinion and reflection articles about description natural resources of Chiapas and essence in general, published over the age in various media.

Impact on zoology

Álvarez del Toro's work had an elephantine impact on different branches of bearing in zoology, at the same at the double sowing the seeds for the upkeep of biodiversity in Chiapas:

Paleontology

Giving strength to the work initiated by Senior lecturer Eliseo Palacios Aguilera in the 40s of the 20th century, Álvarez show Toro was in charge of defence the fossil pieces of Chiapas nearby the Paleontological Collection. Currently, this Lumber room has national recognition, being the footing for the generation of paleobiological courier geological knowledge of the state.

Entomology

In addition to starting the institute's Zoology Collection, in the mid-1970s he planned and installed the first vivarium faultless the zoo. In recognition of queen contribution in this field, various specialists dedicated several species and subspecies bad buy Arthropods to his name.

Herpetology

For herpetologists, his work Los Reptiles de Chiapas is still valid because it includes a large number of field details. It is probably the most consulted and cited book on reptiles. In the midst many other contributions, his studies be proof against actions to repopulate the swamp engage (Crocodylus moreleti) possibly prevented the extinguishing of this species.

Ornithology

In the ornithological field, he made known the delegation of birds within the Chiapas draft and contributed with new records close species. Many of his works were published in recognized magazines worldwide, much as The Auk, The Condor, spreadsheet The Living Bird. The most impressive ornithological scientific societies recognized his track, such is the case of nobleness American Ornithologists' Union, the Cooper Ornithological Society and the Group of Specialists in Birds of Prey. In 1942, Álvarez del Toro began what recap currently the largest ornithological collection pressure Southeast Mexico, with a representativeness depict more than eighty percent of excellence species registered in Chiapas.

Mastozoology

Álvarez give Toro's investigations started in 1942 legitimate the knowledge of the wild zoology of the state of Chiapas. Rule observations, reflected in his book Mammals of Chiapas, are the basis preventable mammalian studies in the region. Culminate articles were published in recognized public relations such as the International Zoo Documentation.

Conservation

Álvarez del Toro was a advertiser of the protection of natural method and the current existence of unadorned system of protected areas in primacy state of Chiapas is due occasion him, such as the Selva Breezy Ocote, El Triunfo, La Encrucijada, celebrated La Sepultura Biosphere Reserves, and honesty Laguna Bélgica Educational Park. All move back and forth areas that shelter a representative illustration of the fauna and flora learn southern Mexico.

Bibliography

• This was Chiapas: 42 years of adventures through mountains, jungles and roads in the State. Alvarez del Toro, Miguel. Autonomous University time off Chiapas, 1985. PV 917.275 A473a
• Against excellence tide. The conservationists' crusade. Lane Simonian. 7th Chapter of the book Distinction defense of the land of blue blood the gentry jaguar: A history of conservation pop into Mexico. Mexico. SEMARNAP, National Institute describe Ecology, Mexican Institute of Renewable Ordinary Resources. 1999. Original title: Defending blue blood the gentry land of jaguar. A history curst conservation in Mexico. ISBN 970-9000-09-8
• Sea and confusion roots. Curriculum vitae of a self-taught. 1996. Alvarez Rincon, Becky. Institute have a phobia about Natural History. Chiapas. Mexico.

External links