The Guadalupe Mountains COA covers approximately 22,515 ha (55,637 ac) in southeastern New Mexico. It is situated at the southern end of the Guadalupe Mountains in New Mexico, about 55 km (34 mi) southwest of Carlsbad.

Nearly 80% of the land in this COA is managed by the USFS (60%) and NPS (19.5%), while the remaining area is distributed among the BLM (~10%), SLO (1%), and private ownership (9.5%). Approximately 56% of this COA is currently protected.

The COA supports 19 native vegetation habitats, one ruderal vegetation type, and agricultural vegetation, barren areas, developed and urban spaces, and open water. The dominant habitats include Chihuahuan Semi-Desert Grassland (22%), Warm Interior Chaparral (15%), and Chihuahuan Desert Scrub (13%).

A total of 42 SGCN are found (either observed or with potential habitat) within the COA, including 11 classified as Conservation Impact Species (I) and nine as Current Focal Species (F). This COA has very high potential to contain microclimate refugia for mammals, high potential to contain microclimate refugia for birds, and some potential to contain microclimate refugia for amphibians.

Related Resources

• Conservation Opportunity Areas section in SWAP document