Semi-desert Grassland:

Semi-desert grasslands can be found on the lower slopes and valleys surrounding the Chiricahuas at elevations between 3500 and 4500 feet. As the name implies these areas are partially desert, but usually recieve 12 or more inches of annual rainfall. Many species of both native and introduced grasses can be found here including Bouteloua, Bromus and Muhlenbergia, and plains lovegrass. Mesquite, Acacias, soaptree yucca and other shrubs as well as prickly pear and cholla cacti are found interspersed in these habitats.

Chihuahuan Desert Scrub:

This habitat is found in isolated areas on the lower slopes and desert valleys between 3500 and 4000 feet in elevation. These areas usually recieve between 10- l2 inches of yearly rainfall. Chihuahuan desert scrub is characterized by the presence of small shrubs and having "indicator plants" such as tarbush, creosotebush, Chihuahuan whitethorn acacia and sandpaperbush. Some grasses are also found here along with a number of species of smaller cactus species including prickly pears, chollas, barrel and hedgehog cactus. Soaptree yuccas are also found scattered over the terrain. On rocky hillsides and slopes Agaves or century plants can be found. These areas have hot summers and cool to cold winters with some occasional snow.

 

 

Riparian Woodland:

Riparian Woodland is found in narrow bands along river courses and along streams with permanent or semi-permanent surface water. Riparian areas can be found in lower elevation desert areas and extending to higher elevations in canyon bottoms. Riparian areas are characterized by lush vegetation and large trees. This vegetation includes Arizona sycamore and walnut, cottonwoods, alder, maples, seep willow, desert willow, catclaw and mesquite and some Oaks and Apache pine and Arizona cypress at higher elevations. Because of the wide diversity and abundance of water, Riparian areas are critical habitat for a wide diversity of wildlife.

Madrean Evergreen Woodland:

This habitat is charcterized by large evergreen trees, most noticeably by the presence of a number of oak species along with alligator and one-seed junipers and Mexican pinyon pine. Intersperced in these areas are a number of grass species and some cacti and yuccas and an occasional Agave. This habitat is found at elevations between 5,000 and 7,000 feet but sometimes can extend to higher elevations on south facing slopes. This area has cold but mild winters with occasional snow and warm, wet summers during the monsoon season.

Madrean Evergreen Forest:

This Habitat is typically found between elevations of 6000 and 8000 feet and is characterized by stands of pines, including ponerosa, and Arizona white pine interspersed with an occasional Gambel's oak. and Douglas fir. There are often large open areas (parks) that form meadows of grasses and in the summer months many kinds of wildflowers. Much of this forest in the Chiricahuas is old growth stands of pine and is critical habitat for goshawks and the Mexican spotted owl. Cold winters with sometimes 2-3 feet of snow are the norm for the winter, with the summers being pleasantly cool with daytime temperatures in the mid 70's, but cooling down to the low 50's to 60's at night. During the summer monsoon season as much as two-thirds of the annual rainfall can fall.

 

Montane Mixed-Conifer Forest:

This forest habitat is generally found between 8000 and 10,000 feet and is a lush and diverse habitat. Ponderosa and Arizona white pines, Douglas fir, white fir, blue spruce and quaking aspens making up the overstory with various shrubs and grasses and braken ferns comprizing the understory. Annual rainfall for this habitat ranges between 25-30 inches with snow in the winter and heavy monsoonal rains during the summer.

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