Home / Environment / New Study Tracks Wildlife on Busy Desert Highway
New Study Tracks Wildlife on Busy Desert Highway
16 Sep
Summary
- Wildlife movement study planned for highway between Yucca Valley and Palm Springs.
- Trained dogs will help locate scat for DNA analysis to improve wildlife connectivity.
- California awarded $5.5 million grant for wildlife crossing planning in February 2026.
The Wildlands Network is initiating a research study to monitor wildlife movement on State Route 62, specifically between Yucca Valley and Palm Springs. This study precedes the construction of two planned wildlife crossings east of the Victor Valley.
The project involves a collaboration between the Wildlands Network, Rogue Detection Teams, and the Mojave Desert Land Trust. Non-invasive surveys, including those aided by highly trained rescue dogs, will gather crucial data on species like mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and bobcats. The collected scat will undergo DNA analysis in labs to identify individuals and understand genetic exchange across the highway.
Wildlife deaths on this busy route have highlighted the urgent need for these interventions. The surveys and upcoming crossings aim to protect both people and animals, including mule deer, while reconnecting fragmented landscapes. This effort is crucial for maintaining healthy wildlife populations by preventing inbreeding and disease.
Grant funding from the Wildlife Conservation Board and the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy is supporting this long-term monitoring initiative. In February 2026, California's Wildlife Conservation Board awarded a $5.5 million grant to the Mojave Desert Land Trust for the planning phase of these crossings. This funding will advance the design of the crossings, encouraging their use by wildlife and completing necessary environmental reviews.
