In July and August of 2005 we (a group of scientists and explorers) ventured on river rafts and inflatable kayaks down the Rio Aros and Yaqui in Eastern Sonora from Natora to near Sahuaripa. We inventoried the flora and fauna of this stretch river and a few of its tributaries. This is rugged territory and has had little exploration. After the fact we learned that our efforts may have helped stop a large dam project being proposed for the area, a pleasant surprise.

This trip was the culmination of two previous years of river exploration in the area by Aaron Flesch and myself. This region is the northern-most extent of a number of species with more tropical affinities. It is very wild due to being supremely rugged. It is also one of the last few decent breeding areas for the Jaguar in all of Mexico. Naturalia with help from the Northern Jaguar Project purchased a 10,000 acre ranch (Rancho Los Pavos on map) at the confluence of the Rios Aros, Yaqui, and Bavispe to protect the Jaguar and are attempting to purchase an even larger ranch adjacent to the Southeast.

Our guide on this expedition, Lane Larsen (see photo below), passed in late 2006 from a work related accident. He was the most adventurous person I had ever met and always had a more outrageous (true) story than the last. This trip would not have been what it was without him, his adventurous spirit, and his willingness to donate his time and energy for a good cause. This page is dedicated to him.

Our Biological Inventory and Report (PDF Download)

More Photos of Expedition (compiled by Chris O'Brian)