Submit abstracts (200 words max) and bios (100 words max) to:
Rick LoBello at lobellorl@elpasotexas.gov. Deadline June 1, 2026. Photo above – rare Del Carmen white-tailed deer in the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park.
EL PASO, TEXAS — At a time when the future of the Chihuahuan Desert—one of North America’s most biologically rich yet threatened ecosystems—hangs in the balance, conservationists, scientists, and community leaders are being called to act.
The Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition and the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens have announced the 4th Chihuahuan Desert Conference, set for November 4–6, 2026, in El Paso. But the urgency is immediate:
The deadline to submit abstracts is June 1.
This is a critical opportunity for researchers and conservation advocates across the region to share groundbreaking work, build partnerships, and influence the future of one of the most important desert ecosystems in the world.
A Region at a Crossroads
Stretching across Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico, the Chihuahuan Desert is globally recognized as a biodiversity hotspot. Yet it faces mounting pressures—from habitat fragmentation and climate change to infrastructure expansion and water scarcity.
“This is not just a conference—it’s a moment,” said Conference Chair Rick LoBello. “The decisions we make and the collaborations we build now will shape the future of wildlife and communities across the Chihuahuan Desert.”
Call for Abstracts: Share Your Work. Shape the Future.
The Conference Committee is now accepting submissions for:
- 30-minute presentations (20 minutes + 10-minute Q&A)
- 5-minute lightning talks (plus discussion)
- Poster presentations
Topics include:
- Flora and fauna
- Geology and paleontology
- Archaeology
- Wildlife conservation and restoration
Submit abstracts (200 words max) and bios (100 words max) to:
Rick LoBello at lobellorl@elpasotexas.gov
🗓 Deadline: June 1, 2026
Why This Conference Matters Now
Past conferences have helped to promote real-world conservation action, including programs led by the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens to:
- Support the recovery of the Mexican wolf
- Advance conservation efforts for Thick-billed Parrots
- Protect species like jaguars and peninsular pronghorn
The Zoo’s award-winning Chihuahuan Desert exhibit, first highlighted during the 2019 conference, continues to educate thousands of visitors each year about the fragile balance of desert ecosystems.
Photos by Rick LoBello