Faculty Profile

Víctor J. Acosta-Chaves is a biologist, naturalist, and herpetologist born and raised in the town of Heredia, Costa Rica. He studied tropical biology at the National University of Costa Rica, where he also earned his master’s degree in biology, focused on the ecology of cloud forest amphibians and reptiles. He has more than 10 years of experience teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in tropical ecology, sustainable development, the natural history of Costa Rica, tropical birds, as well as the amphibians and reptiles of Costa Rica. He has taught on these subjects for the University of Costa Rica, at other public and private universities and study abroad programs in the country, and as a master’s thesis advisor.

Victor has worked as a consultant biologist for assessments of the environmental impacts of clean energy, human structures, and eco-touristic projects since 2009. He is often advising national and international organizations as an expert on the amphibians and reptiles of Costa Rica. Currently, he is also associated with the University of Costa Rica Atlantic Branch, where he has taught general biology, biosystematics and touristic eco-development.

At SFS, he is interested in involving students in research related to the conservation of endangered species and ecosystems of Costa Rica.

Areas of Expertise

• Zoology (tropical herpetology and birds)
• Environmental impact of human structures and clean energy
• Amphibian and reptile conservation
• Tropical ecology and natural history

Professional Affiliations

• College of Biologists of Costa Rica (Representative in the National Wildlife Commission)
• Board member of the Union of Ornithologists of Costa Rica
• Board member of the Herpetology Association of Costa Rica
• Board member of the Montane Forest Conservation Foundation
• University of Costa Rica - Adjunct professor

Research Interests

Víctor has researched and published around 40 academic papers and natural history notes on topics related to vertebrate ecology and conservation. His current research is related to amphibian, reptile, and bird ecology and conservation; urban ecology; habitat assessment; human-wildlife interaction; ecotourism; ecosystem resilience and environmental impact.

https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.12988https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.12988

• Habitat assessment of the critical endangered Holdridge’s Toad (Incilius holdridgei). Data collection 2013-2015. Currently analyzing data and preparing manuscripts.
• Habitat assessment and distribution of the endemic Blue-sided Leaf Frog (Agalychnis annae) Data collection 2021-2022. Project in development using citizen science outputs.
• Amphibian and reptile monitoring from the Western Central Valley of Costa Rica. Data collection since 2010. Several papers released from Alberto Brenes Biological Reserve and Silencio de Los Ángeles cloud forest. Current research in Peñas Blancas (Texas A&M Soltis Center) and Bajos La Paz cloud forest (further Directed Research courses).

Featured Publications