An evaluation of wildlife crossings over the Tucson Aqueduct

Abstract

The Central Arizona Project (CAP) canal system restricts movements of mammals across Avra Valley, Arizona. The Wildlife Mitigation Corridor (WMC) was established to provide access for animals over the Tucson Aqueduct of the CAP, and allow movement across Avra Valley. To determine if animals used the WMC more or less than other canal crossings (i.e., bridges), we recorded tracks of desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus crooki), collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), and coyote (Canis latrans) in and out of the WMC from August 1996 through July 1997. We also monitored two water catchments adjacent to crossings within the WMC with cameras to determine if catchments were used by wildlife. Deer and collared peccaries used crossings in the WMC more than those outside of the WMC. There was no significant difference between use of crossings by coyotes. Coyotes used all crossings throughout the year regardless of the availability of water sources.