The scientists at the UA Conservation Genetics Lab study the genetics of wild populations of animals. Much of their research focuses on large mammal species. Lab members have also led projects on reptile, bird, fish, and invertebrate species. In the case of jaguars, the sampling of a scat (jaguar feces) and hair allows for a second method of jaguar detection beyond the trail camera method.

Multiple cameras have been deployed at 140 sites over 16 mountain ranges to study jaguars and ocelots. This observation system has become the largest camera study in the United States. Camera tracking is a method for capturing wild animals on film or digital medium when researchers are not present, and has been used in ecological research for decades. In many ways, the jaguar camera study is a model for other research because of its innovative focus on collaboration with local residents and multiple government agencies. By the end of the study, the jaguar researchers expect to have collected 2 million individual photos. To date, 50 photos of a single jaguar have been collected and 41 unique species have been detected overall in the study area.

People benefit from ecosystems in a multitude of ways. Collectively, these benefits are known as ecosystem services. Rangelands in southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico provide a wide range of ecosystem services, including forage, erosion control, and recreation. They also provide habitat for a wide range of species, including jaguars. Sustainable management of rangelands helps to maintain these services. In recent years, conservationists have begun to consider ways to compensate land stewards for the ecosystem services resulting from their management activities. Traditionally, the public does not pay for ecosystem services despite their significant value.

With funding from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the University of Arizona is working to understand the attitudes and preferences of the ranching community towards the idea of providing incentives to conserve ecosystem services and jaguar habitat. A conservation incentive program could take many different forms; our goal is to understand the interest of the ranching community in different incentives. The overall goal of any proposed program would be to provide incentives for management that maintains large, connected landscapes for the benefit of both ranching and wildlife.