Water and Environment

Chimps' rhythmic drumming and complex calls hint at origins of human language

A team of researchers recorded thousands of vocalizations made by wild chimpanzees in the Taï National Park in Ivory Coast.

U.S. halts cattle imports from Mexico, citing fears of flesh-eating maggot

The new ban will continue on a "month-by-month basis, until a significant window of containment is achieved," said the USDA

Federal judge pauses Oak Flat land swap until a SCOTUS decision

The ruling comes two days after arguments were heard.

A dry winter on the Colorado River has big reservoirs on track for trouble

The mountains that feed the Colorado River with snowmelt are strikingly dry

Apache Stronghold asks court to temporarily halt Oak Flat land swap

Apache Stronghold seeks to halt a land swap at Oak Flat, a sacred Apache site, as the court weighs religious rights and mining plans ahead of a possible SCOTUS review.

Billboards in Tucson and Phoenix call out cuts made to Saguaro National Park

A national campaign blames Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency for reduced services at 40 national parks.

Saguaro National Park expands

The latest land acquisition brings the park closer to a connected corridor across Tucson's west side.

The Buzz revisits our trip down the Verde River

As the show prepares to take a break, we listen back to our favorite episode.

Over 2,000 acre wildfire in Cochise County at 22% containment

The fire started on Monday. The cause is still unknown.

A colossal squid is filmed in its natural habitat for the first time

Colossal squid are known to be elusive and likely avoid the bright and loud research equipment used underwater.

Environmental group says government shared plan for border barrier in critical wildlife passage

They say the area is the last unwalled major biodiversity hotspot in the border region.

Fondomonte asks that AZ AG's lawsuit be dropped in court filing

The Saudi-backed alfalfa farm's answer to a civil complaint seeks an end to the suit and legal fees.

Blending science and spirit: Navajo PhD student studies black bears with cultural reverence

University of Arizona PhD student Deandra Jones researches black bears in the Navajo Nation, combining traditional knowledge and science to guide respectful coexistence.

The Buzz: Willcox community members talk about the AMA

People express trepidation and hope about the future of water in northern Cochise County.

AZ Game and Fish Commission to hear petition that aims to ban dog packs used for hunting

Wildlife advocates say hounding endangers rare species.

NOAA contracts are being reviewed one by one, throwing the agency into chaos

"Lots of stuff will break," a NOAA staffer said. "It's just a matter of time."

UCLA Study: Wastewater reuse could offset Colorado River water crisis

Arizona and Nevada lead in wastewater recycling but other states lag far behind, researchers find.

A biotech company says it has bred three pups with traits of the extinct dire wolf

Colossal Biosciences says it used novel gene-editing technology to alter gray wolf DNA.

As honeybees die off again, some bee enthusiasts want to give mason bees a chance

Mason bees are among the 4,000 types of bees native to the U.S., they are known to be shy and rarely sting.

The unique genetic change that turned horses into athletic powerhouses

Horses are exceptional athletes, able to push their large bodies farther and faster than many other animals.

The Buzz: Wildfire and home insurance

As wildfires grow in frequency, some homeowners say they are losing their insurance.

Nogales, Son., named 2024 Tree Cities of the World

An international program has named Nogales, Sonora, as one of the 2024 Tree Cities of the World due to the city’s recent efforts to maintain and manage its urban forests and trees.

Conservation nonprofit in Southern Arizona faces $1.2 million federal funding freeze

Borderlands Restoration Network fights to keep critical wildlife corridors and watershed projects alive amid funding uncertainty.

Rep. Ciscomani introduces border security bill to expand CBP access on federal lands

The FLASH Act proposes road construction, infrastructure and stricter land management along the U.S.- Mexico border.

One Tree at a Time

Planting roots today for a cooler, healthier, and more beautiful Tucson tomorrow.

Desert Plants – Beebrush

Sonoran Desert native beebrush has flowers with a sweet aroma, no thorns, and is easy to grow.

Free Bird

The Raptor Free Flight Program at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum allows guests to see birds of prey in a spectacular fashion.

Lessons From Lockdown: How COVID Changed Our Relationship To Nature

Soon after the COVID lockdowns, news stories emerged about wild animals roaming city streets. This period has provided useful data about animal behavior.

Poetry in Parks – U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón Visits Tucson

In December of 2024 the 24th U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón visited Tucson, Arizona to dedicate a picnic table as part of her Poetry in Parks initiative.

Desert Plants – Brittlebush

Brittlebush is a tough desert shrub that provides visual appeal and attracts pollinators while being drought-tolerant and relatively easy to grow.