A study of the biodiversity of the Gila River riparian area was undertaken to document the presence and abundance of many rare species and their habitat along the upper reaches of the Gila River in southwest New Mexico. A paper was written, based on our field work, that discusses the vegetation and habitat data collected during the first year of the study--2006. Collection of these data are urgently needed to provide baseline documentation of wildlife habitat before potential changes to the river occur. Such changes include proposed in-stream flow alteration and climatic changes. Baseline documentation before these changes occur will provide necessary information for management opportunities to restore and improve habitat. Decisions based on good data are essential for public discourse and sound management practices.
Gila Biodiversity Vegetation Study
A map of the study plot locations is provided here:
Photos of plots from the Gila River Study:
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