Gustavo Gutiérrez-Espeleta

Dr. Gustavo Gutiérrez-Espeleta is an internationally recognized wildlife population geneticist at the University of Costa Rica in San José, Costa Rica. He is a key collaborator in the resplendent quetzal project and is currently conducting, along with other scientists from the University of Costa Rica, a study of the genetic structure of the resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno costarricense) in Costa Rica. The study is an important component of the project since it will provide the first genetic map of the quetzal. In addition, valuable information will be provided on the methods to collect field samples (such as feathers, feces and blood) for laboratory analysis. This study is being conducted with samples collected from quetzals in the Talamanca sector, specifically in San Gerardo de Dota. Today, this area is recognized as one of the most important quetzal habitats in the world.