Esther S. Rubin, Arizona Game and Fish Department

Talk Description:

Esther will provide an overview of a recently published study on the associations between feral burros (Equus asinus) and elements of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem in Arizona.  The study included areas with and without established burro herds, and researchers collected field data at randomly selected grids within these areas to examine wildlife and habitat metrics. This talk will focus on vegetation differences associated with the presence of burros, and why these changes may forecast long-term effects in ecosystem function that likely will affect wildlife and the long-term sustainability of the Sonoran Desert. 

Esther is the Research Branch Chief at the Arizona Game and Fish Department, where she leads a team of researchers who conduct studies to inform management. The team’s research covers a wide range of topics including fish, birds, mammals, and their habitats. Esther holds a PhD in Ecology with an emphasis on Conservation Biology from the University of California at Davis. Her graduate work focused on desert bighorn sheep, and she has been involved in additional research projects in desert ecosystems, leading to her strong interest in conservation of the Sonoran Desert.