The Motagua Valley of Guatemala, with its unique semiarid climate, subtropical thorn scrub and dry forests, has been recognized by the World Wildlife Fund as a unique eco-region under siege. It is also home to the Guatemalan Beaded Lizard (Heloderma horridum charlesbogerti). Due to the ever-increasing human demand for land coupled with persecution attributable to fear, the remaining wild population of the Beaded Lizard is estimated to number fewer than 200 individuals.

Today, the IRCF is working with its key partners, Zootropic and Zoo Atlanta, to save this critically endangered lizard. Called Project Heloderma, this initiative will acquire land for a reserve, educate local residents on the importance of this rare species, perform scientific research, and establish a captive-breeding and release program. However, without public support for land acquisition and the many other aspects of this effort, the future of the Guatemalan Beaded Lizard remains in doubt.