UA Science Café at Tumamoc Hill – 'Oasis: Biodiversity Gems in the Southern Sonoran Desert'
Series topic: The Tumamoc Hill Science Café
The Science Café at Tumamoc Hill provides speakers on topics that relate to the science, history, archeology and educational mission of Tumamoc Hill, located to the west of "A" Mountain, near downtown. The talks are held in the library of the old Desert Laboratory, the buildings that are roughly halfway up the hill. The staff asks that you make a reservation for the Science Café so they can have sufficient shuttle service for the participants. Please contact Cynthia Anson at cynthiaanson@email.arizona.edu or 520-629-9455 to reserve a seat.
Talk: "Oasis: Biodiversity Gems in the Southern Sonoran Desert"
Presenter: Michael Bogan, assistant professor, UA School of Natural Resources and the Environment
Talk description: In the arid southern Sonoran Desert, the rugged canyons of the Sierra El Aguaje contain a surprising number of freshwater oases fed by groundwater. At least 220 species of aquatic animals have been described. Genetic evidence suggests that these spring-fed habitats have persisted for thousands to millions of years. Groundwater pumping, the introduction of non-native species, and unmanaged human recreation all pose threats to the biodiversity of these unique desert oases.