Mountain Forests
Mountain forests in and around the Chihuahuan Desert are of two types: Ponderosa pine forests from about 6500 - 8000 feet above sea level; and mixed conifer forests from about 8000 feet and above. There are many examples of ponderosa pine regions within and near the Chihuahuan Desert. These include parts of the Sacramento Mountains below Cloudcroft, New Mexico or the lower regions of the Gila National Forest. Mixed conifer forests near the New Mexico deserts are much rarer because they require higher altitudes. These are found primarily in the northern parts of the state, although some areas of the Gila Forest and the upper Sacramentos have mixed conifers. These two types of mountain forest habitats share many animal species, some of which travel back and forth from the higher to the lower altitudes seasonally.
The indicator species of ponderosa pine forests is the ponderosa pine tree. This tree is a beautiful conifer that is very drought-resistant. The root system of the ponderosa pine can go down as far as 36 feet and sometimes will go out to 100 feet on either side of the trunk. It's needles, which are actually leaves, absorb water which the tree will then transport to the roots. This enables the ponderosa pine to live on south-facing slopes where there isn't much water and other trees may have difficulty surviving. Because of the dryness, many of the plants in this life zone, including the ponderosa pine tree, also have adaptations for surviving forest fires.
Ponderosa pines provide cover, shelter and food for the varied animals and other plants that live in this habitat. Many of them do not live in the ponderosa pine ecosystem year-round, but move with the changes in temperature. When it is too cold or snows are deep, some of the resident species may hibernate. Other larger animals will travel to lower woodland or desert elevations to live. When the warmer temperatures arrive and the lower elevations become too warm for them, they move back to their ponderosa pines habitat once again.
Mixed conifer regions contain a variety of different conifers, including Douglas fir, lodgepole pines, and aspens. The stands of trees can be diverse, made up of large, old conifers, thin, young pines, and a mix of aspens. One of the problems in surviving this habitat is the harshness of the weather. Although rare, a storm can come up in July that will drop a foot or more of snow. Winters are especially severe. The winds can be cold and devastating, building to an intensity that will knock down trees that aren't well-rooted. Animals depend on the stands of trees to provide shelter from the elements. Mule deer, elk, coyotes, foxes, and mountain sheep will head for the trees to wait out storms. In the winter, they will often move to lower elevations to find food and shelter.
Mixed conifer habitats also contain high mountain meadows. Many birds and burrowing animals will live there during warmer seasons. Miles of tunnels contain ground squirrels, moles, pocket gophers, badgers, voles, skunks, and chipmunks. They are also homes for reptiles and amphibians, such as the Sacramento Mountain salamander and the rock rattlesnake. Red-tailed hawks and golden eagles circle above the meadows to hunt. During spring and summer, the wildflowers in bloom are especially beautiful. The colors of golden columbine and Indian paintbrush are often unforgettable to those who make the journey to find them.