Plant & Animal Abstracts

Nongame Mammal Conservation Programs

• Mexican Wolf Reintroduction and Management
• Jaguar Conservation
• Black-footed Ferret Reintroduction and Management
• Black-tailed Prairie Dog Reintroduction and Management
• Bat Conservation and Management

Arizona has a diverse, abundant mammalian fauna. It includes many nongame species and a rich variety of game species. Each part of Arizona harbors at least one kind of mammal unusual enough to be a delightful surprise when encountered in the field. The known distribution and taxonomy of 134 native and 11 introduced mammals have been documented in Arizona.

Many nongame mammals in Arizona are poorly known. Entire species complexes, such as the voles, gophers, and several genera of mice, have yet to be studied using modern genetic science. The ecology and distribution of some of these species is also poorly known. Among those in need of field study are the water shrew, jumping mouse, and several species of pocket mice.

Thirty-four Arizona mammals are identified as Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Nine are also federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Three of these species are extinct, and five have disappeared from Arizona, although reintroduction efforts are underway for two (black-footed ferret and Mexican wolf). Most other imperiled species have very small, local populations that face a variety of threats. Some species are tied to riparian or native grassland habitats.

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