Program

The Sky Islands of Arizona are among the most diverse ecosystems in the world and contains the highest biodiversity in the US. Due to their rapid elevation from the desert below, some areas remain temperate even on the hottest summer days. It is this variety of climate zones, from desert to tropical and temperate climates, that support a vast range of wildlife. This diversity includes over half the bird species of North America, 29 bat species, over 3,000 species of plants, and 104 species of mammals. From the brilliant feathers of the elegant trogon and the camouflage of the tiny whiptail lizard to the striking pattern of the Arizona sister butterfly and the agile coatimundi with its long furry tail, the Sky Islands have many creatures that are rarely seen. See images of some of these rarely seen creatures and learn about current challenges to these Sky Island ecosystems from climate change to invasive species and more.