Mario was born in El Valle de Anton, in central Panama, on the foothills of a dormant volcano. A naturalist by heart, he has spent his life studying flora and fauna of Panama. He worked many years for the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, most of the time at Barro Colorado Island.

He is currently dedicated to guide nature-oriented tours throughout Panama and leads an environmental organization called "ConserVA", dedicated to create awareness about the need to protect the ecosystems of his native region. His enthusiasm and love for Panama's natural heritage is contagious.

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