Ecoregions of New Mexico from EPA.gov

New Mexico is blessed with more ecologically diverse regions than most other states. Most of southwestern New Mexico are part of the Arizona/New Mexico Mountain and Chihuahuan Desert ecoregions. Part of the bootheel is considered part of the Madrean Archipelago ecoregion. Silver City and the surrounding areas are categorized in the following sub-ecoregions: 23b – Madrean Lower Montane Woodlands, 23c – Montane Conifer Forest, 23d – Arizona/New Mexico Subalpine Forest, and in the lowest elevations: 24b – Chihuahuan Desert Glasslands. The maps and posters feature detailed explanations of the flora/fauna of each ecoregion as well as climatic data. Visit the EPA website to view download these outstanding posters/maps. Example images are below:

Another great source of reading about our region is the Nature Conservancy’s Analysis of the Arizona/New Mexico Mountains ecoregion