Initiatives

The ongoing initiative to inventory the small mammal fauna endemic to the region is conducted by experienced field crews from the Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico. Results of these efforts, which began in 1991, are made available through reports, professional publications, presentations, and online through the archive’s specimen database.

The Alexander Archipelago provides a fantastic opportunity to learn fundamental scientific concepts in geology, ecology and evolutionary biology. Charles Darwin and Alfred Russell Wallace are among the most influential and creative biologists known. Primary inspiration for their key contributions to our understanding of how organisms diversify and new species are created, came from their detailed studies of islands. Processes such as natural selection, drift, population divergence and a host of other ideas can be explored across the islands of the Alexander Archipelago. Similarly, the eminent ecologists Robert MacArthur and Edward O. Wilson, gained new insight into understanding how biological communities are assembled through time by studying island archipelagos. New views of the natural world continue to emanate from island studies (published literature here.)

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The key players in this initiative are the local trappers and hunters who are willing to provide (and get paid for) high quality frozen specimen samples from their traplines or successful hunts. Generally these specimens are carcasses or skulls that will be archived at the museum. Potential participants will first contact the ISLES coordinator to determine if there is a need for their carcasses and then identify the best way to transfer the material. A receipt will be issued by their agency contact person, and a copy sent to the University of New Mexico for direct payment to the individuals at the addresses provided.