Research and Conservation

Conducting a vegetation survey in Ironwood Forest National Monument, Arizona. Photo: Mark Dimmitt

Surveying succulent diversity near San Ignacio, Baja California Sur. Photo: Mark Dimmitt

The Research and Conservation program encompasses the scientific functions of the Desert Museum. Our activities range from conducting ecological research in the Sonoran Desert region to advising education, collections, and other museum staff on scientific matters. We have a strong commitment to scientific accuracy and currency in all of our publications and interpretive programs. Our research is characterized by:

• A focus on whole-organism and community biology.
• A focus on projects that promote habitat conservation.
• A focus on interdisciplinary studies. Our staff has expertise in botany, ethnobiology, paleobiology, ornithology, mammalogy, herpetology, invertebrate biology, and educational outreach. Whenever possible we add a geologist/soil scientist to our research team. We favor projects that integrate these disciplines to discover the full ecological story.
• A dedication to disseminating our knowledge to the public in nontechnical language.
• Annual scientific conferences.
• ASDM Studies in Natural History. A book series focused on the greater Sonoran Desert ecoregion.

Dynastes granti, one of the beautiful beetles of the Madrean Woodlands surrounding the Sonoran Desert. Photo: Mark Dimmitt.

Nectar-feeding bats are important migratory pollinators of the region. Museum research staff have conducted extensive research on the endangered one of this pair of species. Photo: Cecil Schwalbe. Is it okay to handle bats?