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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.”
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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.
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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.
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If you’ve ever heard Arizona referred to as the “Copper State,” there’s a good reason for it. Copper has played a vital role in Arizona’s history, economy, and development for more than 150 years. In fact, Arizona produces more copper than any other state in the U.S., supplying a significant portion of the nation’s demand for this valuable metal. From historic mining towns to massive open-pit mines still operating today, copper has helped shape Arizona into the state it is today. advertisement Arizona’s Rich Copper Deposits Arizona is blessed with an abundance of copper ore thanks to millions of years
Petrified Forest National Park is unlike anywhere else in the world. Located in northeastern Arizona, this remarkable national park is home to one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood on Earth. But there is much more to discover than ancient trees. Visitors can also explore vibrant badlands, fascinating archaeological sites, historic Route 66 landmarks, and landscapes that seem almost otherworldly. Whether you are planning a road trip across Arizona or simply looking for a unique outdoor adventure, Petrified Forest National Park is a destination that combines geology, history, and natural beauty into one unforgettable experience. advertisement
Nestled into a towering limestone cliff in central Arizona, Montezuma Castle National Monument is one of the best-preserved ancient dwellings in North America. Despite its name, the site has nothing to do with the Aztec ruler Montezuma. Instead, it stands as a remarkable testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Indigenous people who lived in the Verde Valley centuries before European explorers arrived. Today, Montezuma Castle National Monument offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Arizona’s rich cultural history and remains one of the state’s most popular historic attractions. advertisement What Is Montezuma Castle? Montezuma Castle is a five-story cliff
Tucked away in the remote landscapes of northern Arizona, Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness is one of the most spectacular and least crowded outdoor destinations in the Southwest. Known for its towering sandstone walls, colorful rock formations, winding slot canyons, and breathtaking desert scenery, this wilderness area offers an unforgettable experience for hikers, backpackers, photographers, and nature lovers. If you are looking for an adventure beyond Arizona’s more famous parks and attractions, Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness deserves a spot on your travel list. advertisement Where Is Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness? The wilderness area spans portions of northern Arizona and southern Utah,
