Protect critical understudied habitat in Mexico

Have you heard of the small-leaf pussytoe (Antennaria parvifolia), a tufted perennial in the aster family that is widespread from British Columbia south to Arizona and New Mexico, the ridgenosed rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi willardi), or the bunchgrass lizard (Sceloporus slevini)?  These are just some of the over 6,390 animal and 8,603 plant observations that have been recorded into the Madrean Discovery Expeditions database, for a grand total of 14,742 species.

To date, GreaterGood.org has fully funded 6 expeditions and 5 mini-expeditions to explore and document the biodiversity of the Sky Islands region of Sonora, Mexico. Over 116 volunteer scientists, professors and university students from Mexico, Canada, and the United States have amassed a total of 17,158 volunteer hours documenting this critical biodiversity.  These observations have been published 8 times in various scientific journals, used for conservation, education, and research.

One of our most exciting discoveries was the Sonoran Tiger Salamander, found in FOUR new locations in Sonora, Mexico! The Sonoran tiger salamander is extremely rare and highly endangered, previously only thought to live as far south as the Arizona border. Because of this discovery, GreaterGood.org has developed a partnership with local Mexican Universities and the US Geological Services to save this salamander. This green-spotted creature is in grave danger of an acid spill by the local copper mine into the San Pedro river. Now that we are aware of their existence, we can advocate for their conservation, educate locals about their importance, and save them from extinction.

Additionally, Madrean Disovery Expeditions has added an educational component to engage and educate the local communities.  Mining, ranching, poor fire and resource management, a proposed border wall, and other human activities pose grave threats to these delicate ecosystems. The only way to ensure a lasting connection with these pockets of biodiversity is though communication with community leaders, landowners, citizen scientists, and perhaps most important, students.

Madrean Education encourages older students to get involved with the scientists on vital expeditions, and works with younger students to inspire students to understand and engage in their surrounding ecosystem. Environmental education specialists bring hands-on learning and experiences to rural middle and high schools.  These visits include a biodiversity presentation, natural history of Sonora booklets, hummingbird feeders, seeds for butterfly gardens, and bird field guides. Over the past year, Madrean Education facilitated conservation talks to 9 classrooms, reaching over 400 students.  Each classroom bubbled with excitement, as this was the first time that any of the schools had environmental education presentations from visitors. By teaching students about the plants and animals in their own backyard, the next generation of environmental leaders in Sonora is beginning to blossom!

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