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Southern New Mexico Dissected Plains

Ecoregion in Chihuahuan Desert, NM

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The Southern New Mexico Dissected Plains is a transitional area between the shortgrass prairies of Ecoregion 26 and the Chihuahuan Desert grasslands of Ecoregion 24. It is also influenced by the proximity to the Sacramento Mountains of Ecoregion 23. Geology is mostly Paleozoic limestone, dolomite, shale, and sandstone. Rock outcrops are common. It is characterized by well-dissected topography with numerous draws and shallow canyons, and a rather sparse vegetative cover. Annual precipitation averages only 12 to 13 inches, lower than most of Ecoregion 26 to the north. The eastern portion has more Chihuahuan scrub, while to the west at higher elevations, some juniper savanna occurs. Native vegetation is short and mid grasses with some low desert shrubs. Grasses are mainly blue grama, black grama, hairy grama, sideoats grama, triden, or threeawn. Shrubs include juniper, lotebush, yucca, dalea, and a variety of acacias.

— EPA

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