| Ownership |
Animas
Foundation, Ben Brown, manager, HC65 Box 179B, Animas, NM 88020, 505-548-2622 |
| Habitats |
Grassland, rocky areas, desert |
| Land-use |
Rangeland/pastureland |
| Threats |
No threats identified |
| Site Criteria |
State conservation species (D1) |
| Site Description |
The Animas
Mountains are located in southern Hidalgo County near the border with Mexico. In
the south, they are a broad complex of steep ridges that rise dramatically from
the desert floor. This southern portion contains the highest point, Animas Peak,
at 8531 feet elevation. On this sky island there are cooler temperatures,
higher rainfall, and coniferous forests. The northern extension of the mountains
is a rugged narrow range that takes on a more desert-like character with
grasslands and juniper dotted mountain slopes. The northern terminus of the
range is just a few miles west of the town of Animas. In addition to steep
mountain ridges and peaks, the landscape here consists of rolling hills, deep
canyons, and gently sloping desert areas. Dense coniferous forests are found at
the highest elevations; piñon, juniper and Madrean oak woodlands on
mid-elevation mountain slopes and canyons; and mixed desert shrubs and
grasslands in the lower elevations. There are also riparian zones in some of the
major canyons with cottonwoods and sycamores growing along perennial
watercourses and springs. This spur of the Sierra
Madre is the best example of "Mexican" mountains in New Mexico. |
| Birds |
This area is
the only place in the state where Mexican Chickadee and Yellow-eyed Junco
breed. In also contains other southwestern NM" PIF species
including Red-faced Warbler, Greater Pewee, Gould's Wild Turkey, Painted
Redstart, and Olive Warbler. The valley's around the mountains will
contain Mexican Jay, Verdin, Crissal Thrasher, Bendire's Thrasher, Cactus Wren,
Lesser Nighthawk, Cassin's Sparrow, and Botteri's Sparrow. |
| Conservation Issues |
None serious. |
| Conservation Plan |
|
| Monitor(s) |
None assigned. |
| Nominator |
Christopher Rustay, 1824 Stanford Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM,
87106 |
| Sources |
Personal observations (PO) |
| Links |
The
Nature Conservancy New Mexico
New Mexico
Wilderness Alliance |
| Directions |
The Animas Mountains run parallel to NM-338 south of Animas,
NM. The area is closed to visitors unless special permission is obtained
from the Animas Foundation (see owner above). |
