The Wild with Chris Morgan A Mexican jaguar walked into Arizona, then the US built a wall
Oct 21, 2025
Dr. Ganesh Marin, a wildlife biologist, studies jaguar movement across the U.S.–Mexico border, while Miles Traphagan works on habitat connectivity. They dive into the historical significance of jaguars in Arizona and the hurdles they face, particularly the imposing 30-foot border wall. The conversation covers how this barrier disrupts migration and species territories, while highlighting efforts for larger wildlife openings. Together, they explore the intertwining fates of humans and animals amid fragmented habitats, making a compelling case for collaborative conservation efforts.
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Cowboy's 1996 Jaguar Photograph
- Warner Glenn, an 80-year-old cowboy, photographed a jaguar in Arizona in 1996, the first such U.S. photo in decades.
- That moment sparked renewed interest in jaguars returning to the U.S. desert southwest.
Sky Islands Enable Northward Dispersal
- Sky islands act as ecological stepping stones enabling jaguars to disperse northward from Mexico into the U.S.
- These cooler, wetter mountain habitats provide water, prey, and cover crucial for range expansion.
Camera Captures Possible Breeding Pair
- Ganesh's camera first captured a blurry jaguar photo and later video showing two adults, one likely a female.
- The footage suggested possible local breeding, a game-changer for jaguar presence near the U.S. border.