advertisement
15 August 2022
One of the most extraordinary things about Arizona is its remarkable biodiversity. The Sonoran Desert is home to nearly 3,500 plant species, 500 bird species, and 1,000 bee species. As a result of the state’s elevation difference of 12,563 feet, Arizona has an incredibly diverse ecological environment. One more notable species is the North American jaguar El Jefe, or “The Boss.”
advertisement
El Jefe was photographed in the Whetstone Mountains in 2011 by Donnie Fenn and his 10-year-old daughter, who were out hunting with their hunting dogs who chased El Jefe up a tree. Fenn took photographs of the jaguar and contacted state wildlife officials later.
El Jefe was a miraculous find — he represented the only verified jaguar living in the United States, where they once ranged throughout the southwest.
Jaguars historically thrived in western Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. Jaguars, however, have been confined to southern parts of these states since the 1940s. Because of their march towards extinction, Defenders of Wildlife sued the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 2010 to recover jaguars and designate “Critical Habitat.” In the United States, Fish and Wildlife Service has designated the Santa Rita mountains as critical habitat for species recovery.
advertisement
Spottings of El Jefe went dark in 2015, but last year he was spotted in Sonora, Mexico, researchers confirmed recently, reviving hopes that the species can evade the border wall that bisects its habitat.
El Jefe’s disappearance remains a mystery, primarily since it occurred around the time Donald Trump began building his border wall. Conservationists immediately opposed the border wall, claiming the wall threatened myriad species like Mexican wolves, bison, and ocelots, including endangered jaguars like El Jefe.
To help save the jaguar, you can donate to Greatergood.org or sign up for alerts at Defenders of Wildlife.
advertisement
The “Wild West” period, often romanticized in literature and films, spanned only around 30 years, from roughly 1865 to 1895. This era is usually portrayed as chaotic, lawless, and filled with gunfights, cattle rustlers, and prospectors. But what made this period so unique and distinct from earlier years of westward expansion? Was it truly more wild than the decades that preceded it? And why does the end of the Civil War in 1865 seem to mark a significant turning point in this legendary chapter of American history? advertisement The Pre-Wild West: Westward Expansion Before 1865 Before the Civil War, the
Arizona is more than just desert landscapes and the Grand Canyon; it’s a state that stands out for a variety of reasons that set it apart from many other states in the U.S. Arizona has developed a reputation for embracing individuality and, in some cases, doing things better than some states. Let’s explore some of the things that make Arizona unique that you may not have known. advertisement 1. No Daylight Saving Time One of the most unique aspects of Arizona is that the state does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). While the rest of the country shifts its
Arizona is currently experiencing a period of remarkable growth. From adding jobs and increasing its population to welcoming more businesses, the state is solidifying its place as one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. Arizona’s transformation is not just a short-term trend; it’s a testament to strategic planning, smart policy-making, and an influx of motivated individuals looking to make Arizona their home. Here’s a closer look at why Arizona is on the rise. advertisement Booming Job Growth in Arizona In the last 10 years, Arizona added more than 380,000 new jobs, with the state’s job growth ranking fifth in
Arizona is home to an incredibly diverse range of wildlife, and the rich ecosystem faces many challenges, with habitat loss being the most pressing issue, leading to the endangerment of species across the state. Arizona currently has 71 endangered and threatened species, and efforts to protect these species are more essential than ever. Habitat Loss and the Impact on Arizona’s Wildlife Severe drought and climate change are exacerbating habitat loss in Arizona. In addition, non-native diseases and invasive species are further disrupting the delicate balance of Arizona’s ecosystems. These factors have left many of the state’s native species struggling to
