Arizona public lands have four major deserts: Chihuahaun, Sonoran, Mohave and Great Basin. A significant amount of acreage is represented in these habitats, including the pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine forest lands. Within these broad habitats are relatively small amounts of wetland/riparian habitats. This habitat provides for an even greater diversity of wildlife species in Arizona.

Arizona's public lands support a level of biological diversity that is almost unmatched. For example, riparian habitats, which are habitats near or located on a bank of a natural water source, are extremely important simply because of their relative scarcity in desert environments.

More than 800 vertebrate species are found in Arizona, with many making public lands their home seasonally. All public lands are a habitat for one kind of wildlife or another, and usually for several different species. Public lands provide a significant portion of the habitats for big game animals in Arizona. Large portions of the state's other game populations can be spotted in habitats found on public lands.

There are currently 54 threatened and endangered species listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with an additional nine proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act. There are also 194 species proposed as candidates for special listing. The Arizona Game and Fish Department also maintains a list of species, whose existence in the state is threatened. BLM Arizona places an emphasis on protecting and enhancing these special status species.

Related Links

• Watchable Wildlife Around the State
• Bald Eagles in the Southwest 

Birdwatching Checklists 

• Birds of the Arizona Strip
• Birds of the San Pedro Riparian NCA
• Birds of the Las Cienegas NCA 
• Birding in Southeastern Arizona