PHOTO CREDITS : TIM QUADY , DEBORAH SMALL , ALAN HARPER , TONY MERCIECA
Almost all of the elegant terns in the world breed on Isla
Rasa in the Gulf of California .
An exhibits fabricator sculpts a San Quintin kangaroo rat .
The peninsula boasts many rare plants and animals that exist nowhere else on Earth . But , like southern California , it is also a victim of widespread habitat loss due to climate change , agriculture , development and invasive species . The exhibition will increase awareness of how diverse the region is - from snow-capped mountains to remote desert islands - and the work being done to preserve it .
The 775-mile-long peninsula is part of The Nat ’ s mission area for biodiversity conservation , which is why they have worked alongside Mexican researchers for more than 100 years to study it . The museum has a long history of scientific expeditions into Mexico and collaboration with colleagues in the region . “ Nature doesn ’ t stop at the border ; in fact , humans are the only species that recognize political boundaries ,” Judy Gradwohl , The Nat ’ s President and CEO shared with GB Magazine . “ International collaboration is key to the future of this region and the preservation of its remarkable biological diversity .” This cooperative work has uncovered species new to science , helped with species and habitat preservation , and played an important role in conservation decisions on both sides of the border .
While many of The Nat ’ s exhibitions and programs feature museum research and specimens , this is the first time that scientists themselves will take center stage in an exhibition . From what they pack for expeditions to stories about plants and animals they are working to conserve , Expedition Baja will bring visitors closer to the region ’ s wild places , but also to the researchers and the scientific process itself .
Expedition Baja is located in a brand-new , 2,000-square-foot gallery . It is free for members and included with paid admission . Guests can pair their visit with films in the Subaru Giant Screen Experience . One of the films , Ocean Oasis , features Mexico ’ s Sea of Cortés and the Baja California desert .
Visitors can learn more , purchase tickets , or become a member at sdnat . org .
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