The Black Range Mountains COA encompasses approximately 176,024 ha (434,964 ac) and is located on the easternmost side of the Gila National Forest in western New Mexico.

The majority of the land (~87%) in this COA is managed by the USFS, while approximately 11% is privately owned. The remaining 2% is managed by the BLM and the SLO. This COA intersects two Important Bird Areas: Ladder Ranch and Emory Pass. Approximately 68% of this COA is currently protected.

The COA supports 21 native vegetation habitats, three ruderal or introduced vegetation types, and agricultural vegetation, barren areas, developed and urban spaces, and open water. The dominant habitats include Madrean Lowland Evergreen Woodland (34%) and Rocky Mountain Lower Montane Forest (26%), with smaller areas of Colorado Plateau Piñon-Juniper Woodland (9%), Chihuahuan Semi-Desert Grassland (7%), and Madrean Montane Forest and Woodland (6%). Perennial aquatic habitats include 181 km (113 mi) of warm-water streams and 120 km (75 mi) of cold-water streams.

A total of 84 SGCN are found (either observed or with potential habitat) within the COA, including 14 classified as Conservation Impact Species (I) and 24 as Current Focal Species (F). The northern and southern portions of this COA, and areas north of this COA, may remain or become suitable for the pinyon jay over the next 50 years. Much of the eastern and southern portions of this COA, and areas east of this COA, may remain or become suitable for the banded rock rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) over the same timeframe (NHNM 2024). This COA has very high potential to contain microclimate refugia for birds in general, high potential to contain microclimate refugia for mammals, and some potential to contain microclimate refugia for amphibians.

Related Resources

• Conservation Opportunity Areas section in SWAP document