Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Jesus Rivas was born in Caracas, Venezuela and graduated with a degree in biology from the Universidad Central de Venezuela. His research interests include natural history, ethology, and conservation. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and has been studying behavioral ecology and conservation of large tropical reptiles of the llanos of Venezuela. Most of his experience has been with green iguanas and green anacondas as well as the Orinoco crocodile, spectacled caiman, and green sea turtles. Rivas has taught courses in tropical ecology and is currently working at New Mexico Highlands University where he oversees the ecology lab while he continues his research and teaching.