Sonoran Desert Borderlands | Arizona Wildlife Conservation Strategy

This COA comprises Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, and is characterized by broad creosote bush dominated valleys separated by rugged mountain ranges. It includes some of the most pristine, remote, and visually stunning portions of the Sonoran Desert. The entire COA is also an Important Bird Area (IBA) that includes a primary migratory flyway. This COA also adjoins the 1.8 million-acre (714,566 ha) Reserva de la Biosfera El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar, in Sonora, Mexico (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), and therefore functions as an important cross-border corridor for many desert species, especially Sonoran pronghorn and desert bighorn sheep. Also, the Pinacate lava flow and pink Pinta Sands reach their northern extent in this COA.

Conservation Goals

Foster binational cooperation with individuals, organizations, and agencies to strengthen endangered species management and habitat connectivity across the international border.
Identify and conserve areas known as stopover and breeding habitats for migratory birds and support their full life-cycle conservation through international collaborations that address threats to their migration and wintering habitats in Mexico, Central America, and beyond.

Map

Primary Threats

2. Biological Resource Use

2.1: Unlawful take of terrestrial animals

2.2: Unlawful take of terrestrial plants

7. Human Intrusions and Disturbance

7.3: Work and other activities

8. Invasive and Other Problematic Species

8.1: Invasive non-native species

9. Natural System Modifications

9.3: Other ecosystem modifications

Potential Conservation Actions

2. Land and Water Management

2.1: Site/area management

Conserve or improve areas for migratory birds identified as important habitats during any part of their annual life cycle (breeding, stopover, or wintering).
Design lighting and other security infrastructure along the borderlands that minimize disturbance to wildlife, but meet the needs of the Department of Homeland Security.

5. Law and Policy

5.4: Compliance and enforcement

Increase enforcement of existing laws and regulations to reduce poaching and illegal take of plant and animal species.

7. External Capacity Building

7.2: Alliance and partnership development

Work with federal and state agencies to address the critical need for wildlife movement across the international border with Mexico, and help design any necessary border barriers to allow wildlife movement.