East Potrillo Mountains Wilderness Area

Chihuahuan Desert grassland and yucca, in association with a mosaic of other desert shrubs such as creosote, acacia, and mesquite, make up the majority of the plant cover in the area. Occasional juniper trees are also found on mountain slopes and in larger drainages. The limestone substrate provides habitat for a wide diversity of cacti, and sandy areas likely contain populations of the State-endangered sand prickley pear, Opuntia arenaria, a special status species. Summer monsoon rains bring extensive stands of wildflowers in this area including white and yellow desert zinnias, desert marigolds, blackfoot daisies, globe mallow, pepperweed, desert sunflowers, Chihuahuan flax, and summer poppy. Unusually large specimens of barrel cactus also live in this area.

Raptors are common, especially during the winter. Golden eagles, great-horned owls, and Swainson’s hawks nest here, and peregrine falcons have also been reported. Other species that forage and live in the area include pronghorn, mule deer, quail, and jackrabbits.

Evidence of pre-Columbian Indian habitation exists in caves in the East Potrillo Mountains. A Classic Mimbres Pueblo located in the region has the highest concentration of bird bones of any known Mimbres site.