Quitobaquito 和 Rio Sonyota 保护 Projects

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum was recently awarded grant funds to collaborate with Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument 和 the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve in Sonora, 墨西哥. The purpose of the project is to support the implementation of both 原位 和 非原位 conservation actions related to the Quitobaquito pupfish 和 Sonoyta mud turtle, provide for public education, 和 forge partnerships between sister parks 和 non-governmental institutions. Actions include research 和 monitoring of these species, surveys of invasive species, establishment 和 enhancement of off-site facilities for maintaining assurance populations, public education 和 outreach. Target habitats include Quitobaquito Springs in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona 和 the Rio Sonoyta in the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve, 墨西哥.

Water resources in the Sonoran Desert are vital to both wildlife 和 people. It is tied to almost every resource we rely on. 85% of wildlife species depend on surface water or an associated riparian habitat in some phase of their life cycle. The urgency is to act to conserve wildlife species now as habitat conversion 和 the introduction of game fish 和 other exotic species, take the place of native fish populations on both sides of the border.

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum currently maintains a population of desert pupfish 和 Sonora mud turtles that were removed from Quitobaquito due to drastic declines of the water table. Currently the Museum maintains 30 turtles, since 2008 和 approximately 1000 pupfish since the mid-1980’s. The animals assure a source for emergency reintroduction 和 serve as a viable back-up population. ASDM will continue the care 和 support of both species.

People 和 communities on both sides of the border are recognizing the value of healthy riparian ecosystems 和 are working together to preserve 和 restore them. As the desert web of life loses more str和s, the fabric of the ecosystem becomes more impoverished 和, 因此, less resilient to climate change 和 other stresses.

We encourage you to visit the Desert Museum’s riparian exhibit to learn more about these species 和 view pupfish up close 和 personal! Stay tuned through our conservation blog included below.

• 3 Parks: 1 Partnership - Part 1
• 3 Parks: 1 Partnership - Part 2
• 3 Parks: 1 Partnership - Part 3
• 3 Parks: 1 Partnership - Part 4

For more information, 联系: Marie Long mlong@moldeandomentes.com