Via Lucid News and a topic close to our heart.
Leave the toads alone we say !
n the first part of this two-part series, Chris Kilham visits the Sonoran Desert to investigate the sustainability and collection of Bufo alvarius toads by Mexico’s indigenous Seri people for the harvesting of 5-MeO-DMT. To read part one, click here.
Estacion Torres
Under a bright moon we follow our armed escorts for a few miles, spotting toads hopping about here and there and avoiding glistening puddles of great size, eventually arriving at a colorful and brightly lit sign announcing their village, Estacion Torres. In the early 1900’s, the village became an important center for mining gold and other minerals. But the mines ran out and today Estacion Torres is mostly a forgotten, lonely place along the Sonoran railroad. Approximately 135 people live there now, unemployment is high, and toad medicine is currently their biggest economic activity. We are apparently an exciting development, thanks in no small part to the presence of Ivette and Martine. It’s obvious that not a lot goes on at Estacion Torres, so we get their version of the royal treatment. The four-wheeler has a large compartment filled with beer and as soon as we stop and pry ourselves out of the Mitsubishi we are offered some. Cans pass around, tops pop, and bright street lights hum with electricity. Dogs wander about, sniff us and lick our hands. They are relaxed and happily take scratches and rubs. They seem well cared for. I take that as a positive sign.
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Sean Hocking
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