About Smiling Lizard Research

When I came to the Virgin Islands as a marine biology student in 1993, I was instantly captivated by the beauty and diversity of the plant and animal life. However, it was often difficult to find information about what I observed. Resources about sea life were easily available, but information about terrestrial life could be elusive. I needed an easily accessible guide with that would satisfy my curiosity about flowers, mongooses, and everything in between.

To try to document the beauty I saw and to help with identification, I photographed nearly everything I came upon. Eventually, I realized I had a basis to create the nature guide I once wished I had. Smiling Lizard Research is my effort to provide a resource to anyone interested in learning about the ecology and nature of the Virgin Islands.

While this website focuses on the Virgin Islands, many of these plants and animals can be found throughout the Caribbean. I hope you enjoy Smiling Lizard Research and it inspires you to continue to learn more about the nature of the islands!

-Steve Herzlieb