Conservation in Action: An Interview with Noah Horton

Of all the scientists going on the expedition, which of their fields is your favorite and why?

My girlfriend is an avid birder, and I think that’s rubbed off on me. The ability to call birds and identify based on calls is truly unique to ornithology – you don’t see herpetologists walking around trying to talk to lizards!

What benefits stand to be gained by protecting the Sierra de Huérfana?

The protection of the Sierra de Huérfana means the protection of thousands of species of plants and animals, including the ancient cycad, which is red listed, and the endangered jaguar. With a known breeding population of jaguars just 90km away, every inch of land we can protect for that keystone species is important. The land will also be used into perpetuity for research by university students, and be safe from the threat of mining and ranching interests. Ultimately, the land and species are also intrinsically valuable – with so much land being used for development, mining, ranching, agriculture, etc. I like to think we can keep some land still wild.

On a personal level, what would it mean to you to see the 32,000 acres of the the Sierra de Huérfana protected?

To see this and protected would mean a great deal. Like I said, the Sonoran desert is near and dear to me, and any act of conservation is important. Having a hand in protecting it by partnering with Sky Island Alliance, CONANP, GreaterGood.org, and The Rainforest Site is just icing on the cake. I am honored to be a part of it.

The Rainforest Site, GreaterGood, and the Sky Alliance have partnered to help ensure the Sierra de Huérfana Sky Island is protected forever. Help make this initiative a reality by donating to our Gift That Gives More dedicated to funding the last expedition required before the Mexican National Park Service can establish a 32,000 acre (50 square mile) reserve.