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Quitobaquito pond, July 18, 2020.

'A worst-case scenario': Leaks, dust, water pumping and drought plague Quitobaquito

Border-hugging spring and its pond are sacred to Hia C-ed O'odham and the Tohono O'odham communities
Scientists have been studying the Colorado River, shown here from above Deer Creek Falls, for nearly four decades to understand the environmental impacts of the Glen Canyon Dam on a water source used by around 40 million people in seven states. The environment, climate change, tribal rights and those water users will all be considered in river-management talks expected to begin later this year.

Humpback chub 'alien abductions' help frame the future of the Colorado River

While not considered very "charismatic," this keystone fish plays an important role in water policy.
A drone photo shows construction work beginning in the San Pedro riverbed on June 30, 2020.

Border wall construction begins across San Pedro River

The controversial project across Arizona's last free-flowing river is underway.
Ryan Parker Knox (left) and Joseph McGrath performing "The Mark on the Wall" by Virginia Woolf in the AZPM radio studio.

Rogue Radio presents Virginia Woolf's "The Mark on the Wall"

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Tucson Samaritans' 18 year mission continues; and how the border wall endangers the future of the Sonoyta mud turtle.
A construction worker works on installing 30-foot bollard fencing along Arizona's border with Mexico in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, February 2020.

Federal court rules president's use of military funds for border wall is illegal

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued their ruling Friday.
With residences in the foreground, the Bighorn Fire burns in the Santa Catalina Mountains on June 10, 2020.

Wildfires burn across Arizona

We discuss the year's fire outlook and what ecological changes result from such fires.
The Bighorn Fire burns in the Pusch Ridge Wilderness near Oro Valley on Saturday, June 6, 2020. The fire was caused by lightning on the evening of June 5, 2020.

Drone flights cost firefighters time in north Tucson mountain blaze

Drone operators could face prison time and fines if they are caught interfering with airborne crews.
Drone camera image of border wall construction along the San Pedro River in early June, 2020.

Border wall construction results in 'loss of trust' from community

While many locals are disturbed by the actual construction, they say being ignored in the process has been equally frustrating.
Fisherman Ruben Orozco sits in the front of his small boat, or panga, outside the town of San Felipe in October 2018.

For fishermen near vaquita habitat, government assistance falls short

A group says the current situation is pushing fishermen to turn to poaching, which threatens the few remaining porpoises.
Looking west toward the San Rafael Valley and the Patagonia Mountains.

Groups say border wall construction threatens biodiversity of Arizona sky islands

Conservation groups say the animals rely on the ranges to travel between habitats in the U.S. and Mexico.
Arizona Game and Fish said April 15 they found bald eagles nesting in a large saguaro near a central Arizona reservoir.

Bald eagles, eaglets found nesting in arms of saguaro

Officials said the last known mention of such a site was a 1937 record.
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's patrol ship M/V Farley Mowat in the Sea of Cortez in September 2019.

Group suspends efforts to protect endangered vaquita during pandemic

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society says it will resume operations to protect the small porpoise in the Gulf of California as soon as it's safe.
A Mexican wolf.

Mexican wolf numbers jump 24% from last year

The Mexican subspecies of the gray wolf was nearly eliminated in the wild by 1970.
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge encompasses nearly 118,000 acres southwest of Tucson and includes a stretch of the border with Mexico.

Borderlands symposium explores web of people, wildlife in Sonoran Desert

The Ajo conference last week brought together scientists, tribal leaders and community members.
A diamondback rattlesnake flicks its tongue.

Study explains how rattlesnakes catch rainwater on their backs

For the western diamond-backed rattlesnake, the advantage might lie in a labyrinth of grooves on its scales.
At least 20 small fishing boats surround Sea Shepherd's ship M/V Sharpie in the vaquita refuge on March 3, 2020.

Conservationists attacked again in Sea of Cortez despite presence of Mexican authorities

The group working to protect the nearly extinct vaquita marina porpoise was confronted for the third time this year.

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