Rolling Red Plains
(Area - 13,743,600 ha)
Description - The Rolling Red Plains extend north from the Edwards Plateau
in Texas to western sections of Oklahoma. The landscape is flat to rolling plains, with
natural vegetation consisting of mixed grass plains, short grass high plains, shinnery oak
grasslands, and mesquite grasslands plains. The mixed grass plains association is the
transition zone between the tall grass prairie association and other associations that are
located in the western part of the physiographic area. Grasses and forbs are the dominant
vegetation. The shinnery oak grasslands are located in broad rolling topographic relief of
the western and northern part of the area. Oak mottes occur throughout broad expanses of
tall, mixed, or short grasses. The mesquite- grassland type is perhaps the most extensive
of communities in the area. This association typically occurs on flat to gently rolling
topography, and is characterized by open canopy of short mesquite trees with an understory
of prickly pear and thorny scrub. These natural communities were maintained by a variety
of harsh weather events, including severe winter weather, cycles of hot temperatures and
drought, and tornadoes.
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Conservation recommendations and needs - The vast majority of the Rolling Red Plains has been altered for agriculture, primarily ranching. Remaining natural communities are affected by fragmentation, direct loss to pasture, and overgrazing. Bird conservation efforts in the area will require strong cooperation with private non-industrial landowners to provide increased incentives for riparian zone restoration, oak motte restoration and management, and increased management of natural grassland systems.
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