With a geographical setting spanning six of the world's seven life zones, New Mexico is home to an incredible diversity of plants and animals. The Upper Sonoran life zone, ranging from 4500-6500 feet, encompasses the northern two-thirds of the state and many of the southern mountain ranges. The animal life of the lower Sonoran continues to thrive here along with cacti, desert grasses, piñon, juniper and oak trees.
Rising from 6500-8500 feet, most of north-central New Mexico is contained in the Transition zone. Here, ponderosa pines flourish along with oak, juniper, spruce and Douglas fir. Increased precipitation and cooler temperatures provide for a wider range of wildlife and an abundance of spectacular wildflowers. Black bears, elk, deer, mountain lions,
quail and wild turkey may be sighted in less populated areas. From the late spring to early fall, the land blooms with columbine, pennyroyal and New Mexico groundsel.Comprising less than two percent of the state's higher elevations, the Canadian life zone is home to deer and elk, though they migrate to lower, warmer elevations in the winter.
Spruce, fir, and and aspen are found in this zone, which occurs in the Jemez, San Juan and parts of the Sangre de Cristos.
Rec. the Environment