Rewilding Earth Podcast: Episode 130 Summary

Title: Conservation Challenges and Successes Amidst Increased Border Militarization In The Sky Islands
Host: The Rewilding Institute
Guest: Emily Burns, Program Director for Sky Island Alliance
Release Date: August 16, 2024

Introduction to the Sky Islands

Emily Burns opens the discussion by emphasizing the global connection to the Sky Islands region. She states, “no matter where you're listening in from wherever you are on Earth, there are probably species in common that we have here in the Sky Islands” (00:07). The Sky Islands, spanning northern Sonora, southeastern Arizona, and parts of New Mexico, serve as a crucial natural crossroads in North America, housing both temperate and tropical species.

Impact of US-Mexico Border Militarization

A significant portion of the episode delves into the ramifications of increased militarization along the US-Mexico border. Emily explains how policies initiated with the Real ID Act in 2005 and the Secure Fence Act in 2006 led to extensive construction of border barriers. She highlights the rapid expansion under the Trump administration (2017-2021), resulting in two-thirds of Arizona's southern border with Sonora now obstructed by walls with only 4-inch gaps (02:57; 03:27).

The host reflects on past and present challenges, noting, “you have to worry about what you have to worry about now, what's much, much different” (03:27). Emily underscores the detrimental effects of these barriers on wildlife movement, particularly for large mammals like black bears and jaguars, arguing that such infrastructure “is effectively keeping wildlife out in many cases” (09:02).

Wildlife Monitoring Through Trail Cameras

To combat the challenges posed by border walls, Sky Island Alliance has established an extensive network of over 110 trail cameras covering 90 miles of the border in eastern Arizona (05:57). Emily describes how these cameras capture a diverse range of habitats, documenting over 135 species between the Patagonia and Huachuca Mountains. This data provides a crucial baseline for understanding native wildlife communities in areas without border walls and assessing the impact in regions where walls have been erected.

Notable Wildlife Discoveries

One of the most exciting revelations from the camera data is the presence of porcupines and jaguars in the region. Emily shares, “there's a small population of porcupine down on the border,” highlighting their movement across Sonora and Arizona (10:13). Additionally, the capture of a male jaguar via camera in 2023 marks a significant milestone, demonstrating cross-border movement essential for the species' recovery (12:35). Emily expresses her commitment to ensuring safe passage and habitat restoration to support these magnificent creatures.

Volunteer Engagement and Restoration Efforts

Sky Island Alliance relies heavily on volunteers for various conservation activities. Emily outlines several volunteer roles, including maintaining trail cameras, analyzing photographic data, and assisting in spring restoration projects (18:31). She elaborates on restoration efforts such as reducing road networks to minimize habitat fragmentation and restoring springs to improve water quality and support native flora and fauna.

The host lauds the volunteer experience, stating, “you will not have a more fulfilling volunteer experience in The Southwest” (20:30), emphasizing the dedication and passion of those involved in Sky Island’s initiatives.

Data Sharing and Conservation Impact

Emily emphasizes the importance of data accessibility for effective conservation. Sky Island Alliance contributes to public databases like Snapshot USA and their own Sky Island Photofauna, enabling broader community involvement in wildlife monitoring (22:11). This transparency empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding local development and conservation strategies.

The host highlights the potential of this data in advocacy, noting, “it's really just really fun” to utilize the collected information for meaningful conservation actions (25:55).

Future Goals and Building Local Capacity

Looking ahead, Emily discusses Sky Island Alliance’s ambition to cultivate a conservation workforce reflective of the Sky Islands’ diverse community. This includes creating opportunities for indigenous groups and bilingual practitioners to work seamlessly across the US-Mexico border (27:44). The organization is actively expanding its internship programs to include participants from local colleges and universities, fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach to conservation.

Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

In her concluding remarks, Emily reiterates the global significance of the Sky Islands, urging listeners to recognize their personal connection to the region’s biodiversity. She states, “we need everybody talking about it and helping us protect it” (29:14), highlighting the broader implications of border policies on wildlife across North America.

The host wraps up the episode by encouraging audience engagement through volunteering and supporting Sky Island Alliance’s efforts, reinforcing the collective responsibility in rewilding efforts.

Key Takeaways

• Sky Islands' Ecological Significance: A unique region housing a blend of temperate and tropical species, serving as a critical wildlife corridor.
• Impact of Border Militarization: Construction of border walls severely disrupts wildlife movement, threatening species like black bears and jaguars.
• Innovative Monitoring: Deployment of over 110 trail cameras has been instrumental in tracking wildlife and understanding the effects of barriers.
• Community and Volunteer Efforts: Volunteers play a pivotal role in data collection, analysis, and on-the-ground restoration projects.
• Collaborative Conservation: Sharing data publicly empowers communities and conservationists to make informed decisions and advocate effectively.
• Future Aspirations: Building a diverse and bilingual conservation workforce to ensure sustainable and inclusive protection of the Sky Islands.

Notable Quotes

• Emily Burns (00:07): “no matter where you're listening in from wherever you are on Earth, there are probably species in common that we have here in the Sky Islands.”
• Emily Burns (03:27): “...worry about what you have to worry about now, what's much, much different.”
• Emily Burns (10:13): “there's a small population of porcupine down on the border.”
• Host (20:30): “you will not have a more fulfilling volunteer experience in The Southwest.”
• Emily Burns (29:14): “we need everybody talking about it and helping us protect it.”

For more information or to get involved, visit skyislandalliance.org/volunteer.