• Sierra del Carmen

    Big Bend

    National Park Texas

Science and Resource Management

Researchers taking population samples of the Big Bend mosquito fish.
Researchers taking population samples of the Big Bend mosquito fish.
NPS/Big Bend National Park
 
"What a beautiful laboratory Big Bend was."
 -Lon Garrison, park superintendent, 1952-55
 

Scientific research carried out in Big Bend and the other national parks benefits a wide range of people. The public benefits from the insights that provide a better understanding of the natural world. Park managers use research to make science-based decisions about managing park resources, and scientists use information to further their own research questions. Interest in conducting research at a park is a measure of the scientific significance of park resources, and with over 100 annual permits, Big Bend National Park’s research program is among the most active in the National Park System.

  • Chihuahuan Desert Network Chihuahuan Desert Network

    Learn more about inventory and monitoring programs in Chihuahuan Desert Parks, including Big Bend. Read More

  • Research Permits Research Permits

    Learn more about doing research in Big Bend Read More

Did You Know?

Size comparison between pterosaur and a modern automobile

The second largest flying animal ever documented on the planet was found in Big Bend National Park. Fossilized remains of the pterosaur Quetzalcoatlus northropi, with a wingspan of 35 feet, were first found in the park in 1971. More...