The Madrean Sky Islands are among the most biologically diverse regions on Earth. Located less than 100 miles south of the U.S.–Mexico border, these mountain ranges are home to an incredible array of wildlife. Yet much of this biodiversity remains undocumented, making research essential for effective conservation.
Greater Good Charities brings scientists together to document the flora and fauna of sites throughout the Sonoran Sky Islands range. Wildlife cameras play an essential role in this research by allowing our scientists to observe wildlife without disturbing it, so we can collect data on the location, population and behavior of species—many of whom are threatened.
Recently, our team captured footage of a single rock drawing the attention of an extraordinary variety of native wildlife—and even a curious cow. To encourage animals to pause near the camera, researchers used a scent lure: mountain lion urine. The pheromones in the scent sparked curiosity among many species, including other mountain lions, giving us clear images for species identification and even tracking individuals who return to the site.
This simple but effective method helps us learn more about the unique wildlife of the Sky Islands, contributing to long-term conservation strategies for this extraordinary region.
