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BioBlitzers catalog wildlife in U.S., Mexico as walls go up along border
Scientists and volunteers are cataloging wildlife on both sides of the border to document species that could be affected by wall construction.
The annual Border BioBlitz is cataloging wildlife along the U.S.-Mexico border as the Trump administration continues construction on the border wall.
Coordinator Wilder, who helped found the international community of scientists, said the initiative aims to document the border's unique biodiversity, which faces risks from wall construction.
Volunteers tracking species recently captured images of jaguar Cinco at a Southern Arizona water source and ocelot Himdam in the Santa Rita Mountains.
Engaging participants in a 'functional landscape' survey, the initiative utilizes the iNaturalist app to record plant and animal observations, strengthening scientific understanding of local biodiversity.
The border region contains a diverse array of ecosystems that researchers hope to protect by establishing a comprehensive record of species living there.