Check out the second episode of “Map Chats” – where our Center for Conservation Innovation Mappers host a quick chat with our experts about our latest maps! This episode features Laura and Peggy discussing why it’s important to “Protect One to Benefit Many”. Explore the story map at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/356e357a2ffa47f1b54fc840a6f73611
Video Transcript
Laura: Hi mappers! I’m Laura Nunes, Senior GIS Analyst at Defenders of Wildlife. And welcome to Map Chats.
Today, we are taking a closer look at an icon of the West with our resident expert, Peggy Darr. Tell us, why did we story map the Pinyon Jay.
Peggy: We story mapped the Pinyon Jay for several reasons. The first is that it’s a rapidly declining bird species. We’ve lost more than 85% of its population. The second is that it is the primary seed distributor and planter for piñon-juniper woodlands.
So without the Pinyon Jay, we don’t have piñon-juniper woodlands as they exist today and all of the wildlife that live within piñon-juniper woodlands.
So, Laura, what’s one thing that you learned from this story map?
Laura: Yes, well to me the Pinyon Jay highlights these species that serve as guardians for unique ecosystems and these guardians need our help. And so if we don’t act this iconic species, and most importantly, the loss of the role that they play in preserving these habitats can lead to the decline of other specialized fauna and flora, and also the loss of regional cultural values.
So on that note, Peggy, what can people do to help to protect this iconic bird and its ecosystem?
Peggy: There are a lot of things people can do to help.
If you’re lucky enough to live in piñon-juniper woodlands and you have piñon pines on your property, you can take better care of them. You can water them more, you can mulch them. This will allow the trees to stay healthier and provide more piñon pine seeds for pinyon jays to eat.
You can continue to lobby and talk to your legislators about addressing climate change, which is a major threat for Pinyon Jays. You can share the information that you’ve learned from the chat that I’ve had with Laura today, and you can visit our website to learn more about Pinyon Jays and all of the work that Defenders is doing to help pinyon jays as well as more ways you yourself can help Pinyon Jays.
Laura: Thank you Peggy for being with us today. Thank you for listening. And stay tuned for more Map Chats.
Defenders of Wildlife works on the ground, in the courts, and on Capitol Hill to protect and restore imperiled wildlife and habitats across North America. Together, we can ensure a future for the wildlife and wild places we all love.
