The City of Nogales, Arizona, held a regular meeting on January 8, 2025, where wildlife monitoring along the U.S.-Mexico border was a key topic of discussion. Archie Iman from the nonprofit Sky Island Alliance presented findings on the impact of border infrastructure on local wildlife.

Iman highlighted the unique biodiversity of the Sky Islands region, which includes habitats from the Sonoran Desert to the Sierra Madre Mountains. He emphasized the coexistence of various species, including jaguars and black bears, and the importance of understanding how these animals interact with border structures.

The presentation included maps showing the types of barriers present along the border, such as pedestrian walls and vehicle barriers. Iman explained that over 60% of Arizona is bordered by some form of wall, which poses challenges for wildlife movement. To study these effects, Sky Island Alliance has deployed motion-activated cameras to monitor animal crossings.

Iman reported that while small wildlife passages, referred to as "cat doors," have been added to some barriers, they are not sufficient for larger species like deer and bears. The research indicates that these passages help some animals, such as mountain lions and bobcats, but many species struggle to navigate the pedestrian walls.

The organization plans to expand its monitoring efforts by installing additional cameras near Nogales, particularly along the Santa Cruz River. Iman expressed enthusiasm for sharing future findings with the community and engaging local schools in wildlife monitoring initiatives.

This meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to balance conservation with the realities of border infrastructure, highlighting the need for continued research and community involvement in protecting the region's diverse wildlife.