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Apachian Valleys and Low Hills

Ecoregion in Chihuahuan Desert in AZ, NM

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With valley plains, alluvial fans, and some low hills, the Apachian Valleys and Low Hills ecoregion is physiographically similar to Ecoregion 24a, the Chihuahuan Basins and Playas found in New Mexico and Texas. This region, however, has greater precipitation, with more monsoonal influence, and historically more grassland than Ecoregion 24a. Elevations in the Arizona part of the ecoregion range from about 3200 to 5500 feet. A variety of human and natural influences over the past 100 to 150 years has caused significant landscape changes. Droughts and precipitation events, livestock overgrazing, agricultural clearing and irrigation, fire suppression, road and residential construction, and introduction of exotic plants have altered the ecological patterns in these “desert seas” and their relations to the sky islands of the adjacent mountain ecoregions (79b, 79c). Although this region has areas of desert scrub and semi-desert grassland, often in a complex mosaic, shrub and cacti encroachment and exotic species have greatly altered historical grassland areas. Encroachment of honey mesquite has been significant in some areas. The best remaining native grasslands are mapped in Ecoregion 79e.

— EPA

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