The Big Hatchet Mountains Conservation Opportunity Area (COA) spans approximately 4,670 ha (11,540 ac) in southwestern New Mexico and is about 100 km (62 mi) southeast of Lordsburg.
The majority of the COA is managed by the BLM (84%) with a sizable portion managed by the SLO (16%). Approximately 84% of this COA is currently protected.
The COA supports seven native vegetation habitats, one ruderal vegetation type, and agricultural vegetation. The dominant habitat is Chihuahuan Semi-Desert Grassland (48%), followed by Warm Interior Chaparral (18%), Madrean Lowland Evergreen Woodland (16%), and Chihuahuan Desert Scrub (13%).
A total of 44 SGCN are found (either observed or with potential habitat) within the COA, including seven classified as Conservation Impact Species (I) and eight as Current Focal Species (F) (Appendix G). Most of this COA, and areas north and south of this COA, may represent a climate refugia for the banded rock rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) through 2075 (NHNM 2024).
Habitat Name
Habitat Size in Hectares
Agricultural Vegetation
0.2
Chihuahuan Desert Scrub
614
Chihuahuan Ruderal Grassland
6
Chihuahuan Semi-Desert Grassland
2250
Madrean Lowland Evergreen Woodland
732
Madrean Montane Forest and Woodland
219
Southwest Lowland Riparian Forest
3
Southwest Lowland Riparian Shrubland
2
Warm Interior Chaparral
831
Species (SGCN)
