Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: New Mexico
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Changing precipitation conditions and persistent drought influences ecosystem stability and the sustainability of wildlife populations. Worldwide, animals and plants are either migrating higher in elevation or northward where habitat connectivity exists. Locally, changes in precipitation conditions poses a challenge for game species, engendering serious ramifications for the sustainability of New Mexico’s vibrant hunting culture and associated economy. Despite the severity of this issue, there is not a clear understanding of where and when changes in precipitation patterns can be expected to impact game species in New Mexico. Our project begins by focusing on faunal relationships with habitat and projecting these relationships over time and space. Understanding how shifts in ecosystem conditions will influence the future distribution of the big game species is critical to the development of long-term management plans by state and federal agencies. The New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is engaged in this collaborative research effort with US Fish and Wildlife Service, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, University of New Mexico, and Department of Defense.