Conservation in Action: An Interview with Noah Horton

Can you share a memorable moment of your last survey of the Sky Islands?

Ditmars Horned Lizard
Ditmars Horned Lizard

Last September, I was lucky enough to go with Sky Island Alliance on a MABA expedition to the Sierra la Púrica Range in Northern Sonora. Just seeing the enthusiasm of all the scientists and the CONANP employees (the Director was there!) was inspiring. We also found the Ditmars Horned lizard while there, a species lost to science for several decades with a tiny range that doesn’t extend beyond that Sky Island. Since the trip, they’ve determined we found at least one brand new insect species, and they are still cataloging!

What’s the coolest thing that’s happened while you were in the Sky Islands?

One night on that expedition, around 10pm, a mammal expert heard an owl and ran to get an ornithologist. I accompanied him into the woods to find the owl, and after doing a few calls with no response, the scientist tried the call of the Whiskered Screech owl. He wasn’t hopeful, as he explained, because that bird is very rare to see and can only be seen in that part of the world. Immediately after trying the call, however, the owl responded. He called some more, and the owl began flying in a perimeter around us, calling at each stop to establish the boundaries of his territory. Eventually, the owl was so convinced we were another owl, he began swooping down just in front of our faces. It was amazing, and I had never seen anything like it.

What is your favorite Sky Island species?

Dioon sonorense cycad
Dioon sonorense cycad

That’s a tough one. After the last expedition, I can to really appreciate the diversity of plants in the Sky Islands, which is something I never thought I would have an interest in. Ultimately, that’s the great thing about these isolated mountain ranges – there are thousands and thousands of unique species. I am really excited to see the Sierra Huérfana because of how far south it is – you start to see the inclusion of tropical bird species and plants.

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