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Wildlife
The Refuge provides habitat for over 270 species of birds, with approximately 80 of these species nesting on the refuge. Out of the 134 neotropical species (birds that migrate to the United States from Central and South America) found on the refuge, 50 are nesters. In addition to the high species richness of birds, many other wildlife species are at home on the Refuge, including mule deer, American pronghorn, wild turkey and coyote. A variety of amphibians and reptiles can also be found on the Refuge and there is an abundance of insect life.
Habitats
The Refuge is located within the
ecotone of three unique ecosystems: Great Plains prairie grasslands to the
east; the Rocky Mountains to the west; and, the Chihuahuan desert to the south.
Due to the blending of multiple ecosystem characteristics, this 8,672 acre
refuge provides habitat for a variety of unique flora and fauna. Habitat varies
from short-grass/tall-grass prairie, timbered sandstone canyons and piñon-juniper
woodlands, to wetlands, ponds, lakes and riparian areas. Management practices
have established and maintained permanent lakes, ponds and marshes throughout
the Refuge. All together, this variety of habitats, as well as the reliability
of the presence of water, make the Refuge a haven for a multitude of resident
and migratory wildlife species.
Click here to access our species list!