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.
Teaching Science and Leadership Skills Simultaneously
Following is a selected project highlight from the Share with Wildlife mission to assist all New Mexico wildlife in need, no matter what species. Teaching Science and Leadership Skills Simultaneously Chihuahuan Desert food web. (Ginny Seamster) What is a food web? What kind of organisms are at the base of the food chain? How do decomposers fit in? What does the food chain of the gray vireo look like? What kind of management actions could be taken to improve the gray vireo’s status in New Mexico? These are all questions that the Asombro Institute for Science Education in Las Cruces is working with students in southern New Mexico to answer. Asombro, using funds from the Share with Wildlife program, has developed a new series of lessons for what Asombro calls “Science Intern modules” focused on Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in Doña Ana County. They are placing [...]
Mapping a Deadly Pathogen
Following is a selected project highlight from the Share with Wildlife mission to assist all New Mexico wildlife in need, no matter what species. Mapping a Deadly Pathogen Swabbing the ventral side of a Chiricahua leopard frog. (Eric Christman) Chytrid fungus can have catastrophic impacts on amphibians. This fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis; Bd for short), has been documented in New Mexico in a variety of species by a number of different researchers. It has been documented as leading to the decline of species such as the boreal toad (Anaxyrus boreas), which was formerly found in many areas of Colorado and Wyoming and has experienced declines of 80% and 94%, respectively, in distribution and abundance in those states. Similarly, the Chiricahua leopard frog (Lithobates chiricahuensis) declined from approximately 250 localities in New Mexico to 20 between the 1970’s and 2000, with Bd thought to be the leading cause of the [...]
Migratory Game Bird rule changes topic of public meetings
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, APRIL 2, 2019: Migratory Game Bird rule changes topic of public meetings SANTA FE – The Department of Game and Fish is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to the Migratory Game Bird rule. The department is proposing small changes in migratory game bird hunting, including incorporating Federal recommendations on migratory bird seasons and adjusting season dates for calendar dates. To gather public comments, three public meetings will be conducted: Albuquerque: 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 10 at the Department of Game and Fish office, 7816 Alamo Rd, NW Farmington: 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 11 at the Farmington Civic Center, 200 W Arrington St. Las Cruces: 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 12 at the Department of Game and Fish office, 2715 Northrise Drive The proposals will [...]
Project proposals sought for Share with Wildlife funding
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, APRIL 2, 2019: Project proposals sought for Share with Wildlife funding SANTA FE – On April 1, 2019, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish’s Share with Wildlife program will begin accepting proposals for projects starting in 2020. The department’s Share with Wildlife program funds projects up to $50,000 in four categories: habitat enhancement, biological and ecological research studies, wildlife rehabilitation and wildlife education. Topics of particular interest to the department for projects that start between Jan. 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020, and details about the proposal format, are listed in the Call for Project Information (CFPI) for fiscal year 2020 available on the Share with Wildlife webpage, under the Applications-Reports tab. Any questions about the application process and final project proposals should be submitted [...]
Donate part of your state tax refund to help wildlife
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, MAR. 18, 2019: Donate part of your state tax refund to help wildlife SANTA FE – Want to help wildlife in need of conservation? It’s as easy as filling out a line on your state tax return to donate some of your tax refund to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Share with Wildlife program. Since its inception in 1981, the Share with Wildlife program has funded many projects and organizations. A long-term recipient of funds is the New Mexico Wildlife Center, a nonprofit in Española where sick and injured animals receive veterinary care, treatment and rehabilitation before being released back into the wild. The program also funds research, especially on species lacking information needed in order for species conservation and management efforts to proceed. [...]