Río Sonoyta
In a far, far away place in the Sonoran desert, there was the Mexico's driest river: the Río Sonoyta...
The Río Sonoyta is formed in the Tohono O'odham nation in Arizona, flows through the Altar desert and keeps going until it reaches the Sea of Cortez.
Its original name is Shon 'Oidag which means "spring field" in O'odham language.
It is home to some endemic aquatic species that can only be found in this place.
For example, the Sonoyta longfin dace, is a species that historically inhabitet this river, but unfortunately desapeared a decade ago. But, a small populations was rescued and has been kept in captivity.
Nowadays, different conservation groups are working on reproducing this little fish, so in a near future it can return to the Rio Sonoyta.
Fortunately, we can still find the Sonoyta pupfish in the river, although its distribution is increasingly reduced.
Because the Río Sonoyta crosses an important part of the Sonoran desert, many wild animals depend on it, as it is their only source of naturally available water
And in some places it is possible to see the Sonoyta mud turtle, which is in serious danger of extinction.
In addition, there is a large number of aquatic invertebrates living under its surface.
... and some flying insects that inhabit here.
Also during the winter many species of migratory aquatic birds arrive that seek food and rest in its channel.
And it is not uncommon to find terrestrial reptiles coming up to drink during the hottest days.
Some large mammals have also been recorded using the continuous strip of riparian vegetation as refuge areas and biological corridors.
The Sonoyta River is also important for the development of productive activities in the region such as cattle ranching and agriculture.
It is so relevant that in 2007 it was designated as a wetland of international importance in the RAMSAR Convention.
Despite being such an important river in the region, it also has serious problems...
Its channel has decreased dramatically in the last 50 years and it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain the minimum conditions for wildlife to survive and for productive activities to flourish.
CONSERVATION
The National Commission of Protected Natural Areas and park rangers of the El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve continuously carry out surveillance, environmental education and monitoring activities of the species that inhabit the site.
Likewise, the Aquatic Ecology Laboratory of the University of Arizona conducts research to determine the current condition of the Sonoyta Broken Chest Turtle population.
and the diversity of aquatic invertebrates that exists in the riverbed.
Much of the research effort of the turtle population in the Sonoyta River carried out during 2019 was thanks to the Fund for the Conservation of Turtles.
But beyond the research that is achieved, the most important and transcendental thing is that society and local authorities join the efforts for the conservation of this important and emblematic site.
