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. He is member of the Wildlife Commission of the College of Biologists of Costa Rica, the National Commission for Wildlife, and serves as a board member for foundations and associations related to montane forest, herpetofauna, and bird conservation in the country. Currently, he is also associated with the University of Costa Rica Atlantic Branch, where he has taught general biology and biosystematics.
At SFS, he is interested in involving students in research related to the conservation of endangered species and ecosystems of Costa Rica.
Víctor has researched and published more than 35 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; and environmental impact.