Botanists and volunteers are documenting species along the US-Mexico border to highlight the region's overlooked biodiversity and advocate for its protection.
Julie Watson reports for the Associated Press.
In short:
- The Border Bioblitz project involves 1,000 volunteers using the iNaturalist app to document flora and fauna along the border.
- The initiative began in response to the construction of border walls under former President Trump, which threatened various species and ecosystems.
- Efforts face challenges due to crime in the region, restricted research permits, and increasing border security due to global displacement.
Key quote:
"There's a fabulous amount of biodiversity here that's traditionally been overlooked."
— Sula Vanderplank, Baja Rare
Why this matters:
Documenting the biodiversity of the border region is important for its conservation, as many species face threats from habitat loss, climate change, and human activities. Read more: If you haven't heard of NEPA, you're not alone.
