NMDGF Conservation News
The latest conservation news and press releases from New Mexico Game and Fish. Department-wide news can be found under Home → NMDGF News.
Assessing Aquatic and Riparian Habitat Connectivity in Northern New Mexico
Following is a selected project highlight from the Share with Wildlife mission to assist all New Mexico wildlife in need, no matter what species. Assessing Aquatic and Riparian Habitat Connectivity in Northern New Mexico Data collection using digital datasheet (Ginny Seamster). The extent to which habitat (i.e., the areas on a landscape that a given animal uses to get the food, water, and shelter it needs) is connected and animals are able to move from one area to another to get what they need to survive and reproduce is often a crucial indicator of how well individual organisms and broader populations will fare in the long term. Fragmentation of habitat is often a significant factor leading to the decline, and sometimes the total loss, of species, making connectivity of habitats important for species that live on land (i.e., terrestrial) or in the water (i.e., aquatic). Example surveyed [...]
At Least Seven Mexican Wolf Pups Successfully Cross-Fostered into Wild Packs
Arizona Game and Fish Department Media contact, Tom Cadden: (623) 236-7392 tcadden@azgfd.gov New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Media contact, Aislinn Maestas: (505) 331-8027 aislinn_maestas@fws.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, DEC. 17, 2020: At Least Seven Mexican Wolf Pups Successfully Cross-Fostered into Wild Packs Record number of cross-fostered pups captured and collared by field team The Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team (IFT) has successfully captured and radio-collared seven of this year’s cross-fostered pups, documenting record success for the program. Last spring, members of the IFT and the Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan cross-fostered a total of 20 genetically diverse wolf pups from captive facilities into litters of wild wolf packs. As part of ongoing efforts to record survival of cross-fostered pups, the IFT reports the following:• One of two pups cross-fostered from the Phoenix Zoo to the Iron Creek [...]
Starvation, unexpected weather to blame in mass migratory songbird mortality
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, DEC. 4, 2020: Starvation, unexpected weather to blame in mass migratory songbird mortality SANTA FE –The U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center has analyzed representative samples of the migratory songbirds collected, cataloged and sent for analyses by New Mexico Department of Game and Fish biologists, in early September. The lab report indicates that the single abnormality shared by nearly all birds was body condition ranging from poor to severely emaciated. Kerry Mower, the Department’s wildlife disease specialist, said, “The laboratory results are very informative but did not identify a single definitive cause of mortality. However, they did find that nearly all birds were severally emaciated.” The single abnormality shared by nearly all birds was body condition ranging from poor to severely emaciated. These observations are evidence [...]
Call for applicants: Citizen advisors needed for Habitat Stamp Program
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866 Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027 tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, DEC. 1, 2020: Call for applicants: Citizen advisors needed for Habitat Stamp Program SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is accepting applications for volunteer citizen advisors to the Habitat Stamp Program. Advisors will serve on a Citizen Advisory Committee to the Habitat Stamp Program, and will review and prioritize proposed projects for annual funding. Advisors are expected to engage and encourage public participation and involvement in the program. They will also be expected to represent public interest and be engaged and informed with regard to wildlife and fish habitat conservation needs. The citizen advisors will be appointed at the January 15, 2021 Commission meeting, which will be held virtually. Those applying to serve will be evaluated upon: Familiarity with current wildlife conservation [...]
Tracking a Rare Snake
Following is a selected project highlight from the Share with Wildlife mission to assist all New Mexico wildlife in need, no matter what species. Tracking a Rare Snake Arizona Black Rattlesnake (Bruce Christman). The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is a very understudied species of rattlesnake. The species is known to inhabit portions of the San Francisco River drainage and is often found on steeper slopes and cliffsides. However, much more needs to be learned about this species before anything can be done to help protect this species and its habitat in New Mexico. In both 2019 and 2020, Bruce Christman and Dr. Randy Jennings, both experienced herpetologists, used funds from the Share with Wildlife program to conduct surveys for the Arizona Black Rattlesnake, both at and near the locations of previously reported sightings. They also gathered as many previously documented observations as they could. AZ Black Rattlesnake [...]