Episode 155: Jaguars, Justice, and the Border Wall – Stories from the Frontlines With Russ McSpadden
September 19, 2025
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Russ McSpadden, Southwest Conservation Advocate, Center for Biological Diversity
Russ McSpadden works to protect public lands and the wildlife who call them home in Arizona and the rest of the Southwest. Before joining the Center in 2012, Russ engaged in grassroots environmental activism. He holds a master’s degree in environmental history from Florida Atlantic University.
Show Notes
In this episode of the Rewilding Earth Podcast, host Jack Humphrey speaks with Russ McSpadden of the Center for Biological Diversity. Together, they explore the beauty, complexity, and ongoing threats facing the borderlands of southern Arizona and northern Mexico. Russ shares firsthand stories from the field, discusses the ecological and cultural significance of the region, and details the past and current fight against border wall construction and its devastating impact on wildlife and communities. The conversation is a powerful blend of heartbreak, hope, and determination from those working to protect one of North America’s most unique wild places.
Topics:
- Russ McSpadden’s work at the Center for Biological Diversity
- The ecological richness and biodiversity of the borderlands
- Iconic species: jaguars, ocelots, Mexican spotted owls, and more
- The San Rafael Valley and its critical role as a wildlife corridor
- The impact of border wall construction on habitats and water resources
- Legal battles and activism to protect the borderlands
- The intersection of conservation, politics, and community organizing
- Stories of hope, resilience, and small victories in conservation
- The emotional toll and inspiration drawn from the land and its defenders
- Reflections on hope, despair, and the future of the borderlands
Organizations Mentioned:
- Center for Biological Diversity
- Conservation CATalyst
- Sky Island Alliance
- Northern Jaguar Project
- Patagonia Area Resource Alliance
- Scenic Santa Ritas
- Lower San Pedro Watershed Alliance
Tribal partners:
Extra Credit
Some photos from Russ showing the destruction of the wild borderlands, starting with what’s at stake in the current battle: the San Rafael Valley. All photos (C) Russ McSpadden / Center for Biological Diversity
The Jaguar “Sombra” on motion censor camera.
(C) Russ McSpadden / Center for Biological Diversity
New ocelot in July 2024 in Greater San Rafael Wildlife Corridor:
Facebook videos:
- Russ spent 18 months watching this black bear cub grow up along the border with trail cameras.
Tucson Opinion – Published September 16, 2025
Local opinion: Border wall through San Rafael Valley threatens jaguars, ocelots, biodiversity
Two reports Russ authored recently:
- Surveying stadium lighting along the border in Arizona conservation lands
- A report on the San Rafael Valley and its conservation and biodiversity values
Press release from The Center:
Much of the photography and drone videos you see in the news from the border are from Russ. You can watch all the border videos from the Center for Biological Diversity on their YouTube channel.
Want more?
Check out our episode with Laikan Jordhal from the Center for Biological Diversity, Episode 47
Director of Digital Outreach (D.O.D.O.) for The Rewilding Institute
Host and Producer of the Rewilding Earth Podcast
Jack started Rewilding work as Executive Director of Sky Island Alliance in the mid-1990’s, organizing the Sky Island Wildlands Network design, ripping up illegal roads on forest service lands, installing wolf acclimatization pens on Ted Turner’s Ladder Ranch & conducting howling surveys to help make way for the final stage of the Lobo reintroduction program in the Southwest.
Through the years, Jack has worked with Dave Foreman and the Rewilding Gang to further Rewilding initiatives and education.