advertisement
29 September 2023
Knowing your subjects is crucial when it comes to wildlife management. Understanding a species from its population to its habitat is the backbone of effective conservation. The golden eagle, a cherished and beautiful bird of prey, was one such puzzle in Arizona.
Like many iconic wildlife species, Golden eagles in Arizona are linked to laws created to protect them. In 1940, Congress passed the Bald Eagle Protection Act to protect declining bald eagle populations from various threats. Later, in 1962, the Act was updated to include golden eagles, giving birth to the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, often called the Eagle Act. This expanded protection was vital as golden eagles faced challenges, and conserving them became a shared duty.
Before the new millennium, our knowledge of Arizona golden eagles was limited. We knew little about their population size, preferred habitats, daily behaviors, or essential life rates.
The year 2007 marked a significant moment in golden eagle conservation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) clarified what “disturb” meant under the Eagle Act. This definition encompassed any activity that might harm an eagle or interfere with their breeding and survival. It was a crucial step in protecting these majestic birds.
In 2009, the USFWS established rules for authorizing “take” under the Eagle Act. However, one essential piece was still missing. For these take permits to align with the Act’s intent of maintaining stable or growing eagle populations, we needed accurate population estimates.
In June 2010, the Arizona Game and Fish Department used these Acts to allow for more hands-on research of these birds to uncover the secrets of golden eagles. The Southwestern Golden Eagle Management Committee comprised 17 state, federal, private, and tribal groups united by a shared commitment to conservation. Through this partnership, the Department secured funding for comprehensive statewide golden eagle surveys.
These surveys were nothing short of an extensive effort, including a two-year nest search, a two-year occupancy assessment, and an ongoing productivity assessment. It was a mission to uncover the hidden world of these impressive birds, understand their behaviors, and reveal their mysteries.
Survey findings uncovered their nesting sites, mapped their behaviors, and provided valuable insights into their breeding success. These discoveries were vital for crafting effective conservation strategies, ensuring the protection of these magnificent birds for future generations.
Every piece of knowledge in wildlife conservation is a step toward a brighter future for our planet’s incredible creatures.
advertisement
A towering wall of dust can roll across central Arizona on a monsoon evening, swallowing skylines, grounding flights, and cutting visibility to near zero across parts of the Phoenix metro. Spectacular? Absolutely. Routine? In the Southwest, yes. These dramatic dust storms—called haboobs—are a hallmark of Arizona’s summer monsoon. Here is what they are, how they form, and how to stay safe when one arrives. advertisement What Is a Haboob? A haboob is a fast-moving dust storm generated by thunderstorm outflow winds. As a storm cell collapses or surges forward, dense, cool air rushes toward the ground and spreads outward like
Coyotes are as much a part of Arizona’s landscape as saguaros and sunsets. Known for their adaptability and eerie night calls, these wild canines have become one of the state’s most fascinating and misunderstood residents. Whether spotted trotting across desert trails or heard howling in suburban neighborhoods, coyotes embody the untamed spirit of the Southwest. advertisement Masters of Adaptation Arizona’s diverse terrain — from the Sonoran Desert to pine-covered plateaus — offers coyotes a variety of habitats. Few animals are as flexible in their survival strategies. Coyotes thrive in deserts, forests, grasslands, and even urban environments like Phoenix and Tucson.
Arizona might be known for its sun-soaked deserts and dramatic red rock formations, but the Grand Canyon State also offers incredible water adventures for locals and visitors alike. From lazy tubing down rivers to kayaking through canyons, there’s no shortage of aquatic fun to cool off under the Arizona sun. advertisement 1. Tubing the Salt River No Arizona summer is complete without a float down the Salt River in Mesa. This laid-back, family-friendly activity lets you relax as you drift through stunning desert scenery while spotting wild horses along the banks. Bring sunscreen, water shoes, and a waterproof speaker for
The Salt River wild horses are one of Arizona’s most beloved symbols of freedom, beauty, and resilience. These majestic animals roam the lower Salt River in the Tonto National Forest, an area synonymous with the wild, untamed spirit of the American West. But once again, their very existence is under threat. advertisement A Fight for Survival In 2015, when the Salt River wild horses faced possible removal, Arizonans came together in a historic show of unity. The outpouring of public support led to the passage of the Salt River Horse Act in 2016, protecting the herd from unnecessary removal and
