The Bootheel COA spans approximately 129,305 ha (319,519 ac) in the Animas and Peloncillo Mountains and is about 100 km (62 mi) south of Lordsburg.

The majority of the land (~66%) in this COA is privately owned, while the remaining 34% is managed by the USFS (19%), the BLM (10%), and the SLO (5%). This COA contains four Important Bird Areas: Clanton Canyon, Guadalupe Canyon, Gray Ranch Grasslands, and the Animas Mountains. Approximately 16% of the COA is currently protected.

The COA supports 11 native vegetation habitats, two ruderal or introduced vegetation types, and agricultural vegetation, barren areas, developed and urban spaces, and open water. The dominant habitats include Chihuahuan Semi-Desert Grassland (64%), Madrean Lowland Evergreen Woodland (14%), and Warm Interior Chaparral (10%).

A total of 86 SGCN are found (either observed or with potential habitat) within the COA, including 13 classified as Conservation Impact Species (I) and 14 as Current Focal Species (F) (Appendix G). The eastern and western portions of this COA, and areas north of this COA, may remain or become suitable for the banded rock rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) over the next 50 years (NHNM 2024). This COA has high potential to contain macroclimate refugia for terrestrial species in general.

Related Resources

• Conservation Opportunity Areas section in SWAP document