FWIE is engaged in is continued development of the BISON-M (Biota Information System of New Mexico). The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) has been serving in a coordination role in New Mexico since the early 90’s for biological data on vertebrates that occur in New Mexico and Arizona. NMDGF has, over the years, worked with numerous agencies, universities, and private companies in developing, distributing, and using BISON-M throughout the region. BISON-M is currently available on the web in static report format of all 5,000 + species.

The FWIE is in the development stages of re-engineering the system to update the software platform that supports it, add functionality, and make it more user-friendly. The new platform will support linkages to other datasets, and the inclusion of additional ancillary datasets. Plans are to allow for mapping and using other GIS tools to more accurately provide information to the user base in the SW. Development time and testing is hindered due to shortage of tight resources, however plans to partner with additional organizations are underway. For information on BISON-M or partnering in this valuable project, contact lborge@vt.edu or Leland Pierce at NMDGF at LJSPierce@state.nm.us.