The Lower Rio Grande – Caballo Reservoir COA covers approximately 13,732 ha (33,931 ac). It extends along the lower Rio Grande corridor from Williamsburg to Arrey and includes Caballo Reservoir.

The highest percentage of the land (~50%) in this COA is managed by NMSP, followed by 24% managed by the BLM. Approximately 21.5% is privately owned, and the SLO manages 4.5%. A very small portion (<0.5%) is managed by the BOR. This COA includes the Percha State Park/Caballo Lake State Park/Las Palomas Important Bird Area. Currently, none of this COA is protected.

The COA supports 10 native vegetation habitats, two ruderal or introduced vegetation types, and agricultural lands, developed and urban spaces, and open water. The dominant habitat is Chihuahuan Desert Scrub (40%). In the riparian zone, Desert Alkali-Saline Wetland (9%), Warm-Desert Arroyo Riparian Scrub (7%), and Introduced Riparian Vegetation (6%) are the most prevalent. Perennial aquatic habitats include 30 km (19 mi) of warm-water streams, 5 km (3 mi) of cold-water streams, and 1,652 ha (4,082 ac) of warm-water reservoirs.

A total of 39 SGCN are found (either observed or with potential habitat) within the COA, including seven classified as Conservation Impact Species (I) and nine as Current Focal Species (F). This COA has high potential to contain microclimate refugia for amphibians and reptiles.

Related Resources

• Conservation Opportunity Areas section in SWAP document