Sky Island Alliance is a grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the rich natural heritage of native species and habitats in the Sky Island region of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
We work with volunteers, scientists, land owners, public officials, and government agencies to establish protected areas, restore healthy landscapes, and promote public appreciation of the region's unique biological diversity.
> Read more about Sky Island Alliance
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Jessica setting camera traps
Arizona Highways Article on Sky Island Alliance's Work in Mexico: Emerald Isle
AZ Highways - Feb. 2010 - In Arizona, it's known as the Tumacacori Highlands. In Mexico, it's the Emerald Mountains... Featuring Sergio Avila, Jessica Lamberton, and the Northern Mexico Conservation Program. > Read full article (PDF)
State's capture of jaguar Macho B was intentional, federal investigators conclude
AZ Daily Star - Jan 21. 2010 - The capture of Macho B, the last known wild jaguar in the United States, was intentional, according to a new investigative report by the Interior Department's Office of Inspector General.
The report says Arizona Game and Fish Department employees meant to capture the jaguar Macho B on Feb. 18 last year, citing evidence gathered as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation. > Read full article
Mountain Lion playing
Bring Back the Cats! Campaign Wrap-up
In an effort to raise awareness and funds for Sky Island Alliance's continuing goal to protect wild feline populations in the Sky Islands, the Bring Back the Cats! Campaign has now surpassed its goal of $30,000!
It was thanks to the leadership contribution and inspiration of two anonymous donors that we kicked off the Bring Back the Cats Campaign last October. Today, Sky Island Alliance thanks the 123 donors who supported this campaign and made it a complete success, for the benefit of jaguars, ocelots and all wildlife species in the region! Thank you!
JAGUAR NEWS!
As a fitting and serendipitous finale to SIA's Bring Back the Cats Campaign, on January 12 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced that it will develop a recovery plan and designate critical habitat for endangered jaguars in the United States as mandated by the Endangered Species Act. This is a huge step forward for jaguar recovery in the United States. Read news story here:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2010/01/welcome-back-jaguar.html
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/01/12/us/AP-US-Jaguar-Recovery.html
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/fromcomments/324866.php
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/01/12/ap/national/main6088021.shtml
Sky Island Alliance applauds the Obama Administration for restoring the rule of law and bringing science back to decision-making processes. We celebrate the USFWS's decision to develop a Recovery Plan for the jaguar.
This is a new opportunity for Sky Island Alliance to provide recommendations to enhance recovery efforts of the jaguar in Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico. We will continue research, monitoring, and policy work to inform the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as we work with them in all possible ways to develop a recovery plan.
Tracking Wildlife
Spring Wildlife Tracking Workshop - Sign-up now!
Feb. 26 - 28 and March 27-28 (must commit to both workshops)
SIA’s tracking volunteers monitor the presence of large mammals (mountain lion, black bear, jaguar, Mexican grey wolf and others) between the mountain ranges in the Sky Island region.
We are currently looking for dedicated “citizen scientists” who can commit to regular monitoring of an assigned tracking route for at least one year. You’ll learn where to look for signs and about the biology and behavior of local mammal species. Learn more by contacting Janice Przybyl, Wildlife Linkages Program Coordinator: (520) 624-7080 ext. 15 or email janice@skyislandalliance.org
Sierra San Luis, Sonora
Introductory Video on the Madrean Archipelago Biodiversity Assessment
The video below was made to briefly introduce the Madrean Archipelago Biodiversity Assessment (MABA) project and summarize its objectives for the numerous entities it will involve. The assessment will serve to perform critical research on the vast array of life found in the Sky Island region and educate the public, via electronic media, about why it is such a vital ecological zone. Nature shots are taken along the Continental Divide between Chihuahua and Sonora, Mexico, and in the Chiracahua Mountains of southeastern Arizona.
MABA Principle Sponsors: The Veolia Foundation and the Sky Island Alliance. Video footage courtesy of Cuenca Los Ojos Foundation. Script and narration: Sy Rotter; Videography: Ruben Ruiz; Still photos: Laurence De Bure; Post Production: Terence Babb Production facilities:DSP Media Productions.
Visit DSP Media for more programs about the Sky Island region. See DSP Media Productions.
MABA Overview from Terry Babb on Vimeo.