Conservation and Research Department

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 Conservation and Research Department 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.

The lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris curasoae) is an important migratory pollinator of the region. Museum research staff have conducted numerous studies of this endangered mammal. Photo: Karen Krebbs.