Between 2017 and 2023, the Arizona Trail Association partnered with Arizona State University to study wildlife and recreational patterns on the Arizona National Scenic Trail. This was accomplished through the placement and monitoring of 59 camera traps throughout the state. The results of this multi-year statewide study are now available through the final report: Wildlife and Recreation on the Arizona National Scenic Trail, completed by Ali Lotfi, Faranak Parkami, Kinley Ragan, Matthew Nelson and Jan Schipper.

This study is the first of its kind, and comprises one of the longest transects ever analyzed for wildlife occurrences across a variety of biomes. In total, more than 5,400 images of 25 different mammals were captured, and more than 40,000 images of hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. The report details:

• methodology
• camera locations
• species diversity and richness
• activity pattern of species
• recreational uses
• pet activity along the trail
• occurrence of cattle
• future management recommendations
• and much more!

We encourage to check out the final report here and share with others who may be interested. You’ll enjoy some of the photos of animals documented along the AZT, as well as 21 Figures and 5 Tables of data.