Friday's Findings - September 4 2020

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Summary: The western United States encompasses dynamic landscapes that span tremendous climatological and ecological gradients. Especially across lower elevations, landscapes are hot, dry, and subject to unpredictable precipitation; such drylands dominate the western US and are disproportionately managed by the Department of Interior and other federal agencies. Couple these natural environmental stresses with increasing human pressures, and it is evident that the western US has an ever-increasing need for conservation of existing biological diversity and restoration of natural communities and ecosystem functions that have been degraded or lost. Scientists with the Genetics for Western Restoration and Conservation research group at the Southwest Biological Science Center generate genomic data to investigate the complex suites of factors influencing rare and common species alike. We will highlight examples of our research that provide actionable knowledge to improve restoration and conservation decision-making and support healthy, diverse ecosystems.