Arizona Wildlife Conservation Strategy

Central Yavapai County COA

The habitat in central Arizona is made up of Great Basin conifer woodland, Plains and Great Basin grassland, semidesert grassland, Petran montane conifer, and chaparral. The rolling grasslands of Game Management Unit 19A is home to the largest pronghorn populations in the state of Arizona. Habitat restoration in grassland and Great Basin conifer woodland habitats is imperative to conserve a high biodiversity of wildlife species while protecting the connectivity of populations and their genetic diversity. The Hassayampa, Verde, and Agua Fria riparian corridors all reside within this COA. The Bradshaw Mountains host several populations of an undescribed Pyrgulopsis springsnail. Another SGCN mollusk, the Bradshaw springsnail, also occurs within this COA.

Conservation Goals

  • Remove invasive plant species in order to restore and maintain the native grassland habitats for wildlife species.
  • Remove barriers to wildlife movement and improve habitat connectivity and thermal cover.
  • Maintain and improve the hydrologic and ecological function of the watershed conditions, riparian and wetland areas and the habitats they support.

Map

Primary Threats

1. Agriculture

1.3: Livestock farming and ranching

3. Climate Change and Severe Weather

3.1: Habitat shifting and alteration
3.2: Droughts

4. Residential and Commercial Development

4.1: Housing and urban areas
4.2: Commercial and industrial areas
4.3: Tourism and recreation areas

6. Energy Production and Mining

6.3: Renewable energy

11. Transportation and Service Corridors

11.1: Roads and railroads
11.2: Utility and service lines

Potential Conservation Actions

2. Land and Water Management

2.1: Site/area management
  • Implement projects focused on improving the quality of altered systems creating suitable habitat and/or habitat features for wildlife
2.2: Invasive/problematic species control
  • Control the spread of invasive and problematic species, such as woody plants encroaching into quality grassland habitats
2.3: Habitat and natural process restoration
  • Increase habitat connectivity by removing barriers and other impediments to species movement.

3. Species Management

3.1: Management of specific species of concern
  • Conduct research that includes surveying and monitoring species and habitats to determine status and conditions so that resources can be appropriately allocated where they are most needed.
3.2: Species recovery
  • Establish and augment populations of wildlife species in high quality habitats.

4. Education and Awareness

4.3: Awareness and communication
  • Increase public awareness of AZGFD’s nongame conservation efforts to gain the interest and support of non-traditional constituencies.

7. External Capacity Building

7.2: Alliance and partnership development
  • Create partnerships with Arizona agricultural producers and private landowners on a variety of habitat enhancements that benefit both livestock and wildlife.
  • Provide technical assistance to landowners interested in enhancing wildlife habitat on their property.

Habitats Present

Strategy Species

Amphibians

Arizona Toad, Lowland Leopard Frog

Birds

American Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, Arizona Bell's Vireo, Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle, Mexican Spotted Owl, American Goshawk, Pinyon Jay, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Western Burrowing Owl, Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Common Nighthawk, Western Purple Martin

Invertebrates

Bradshaw Mountain Springsnail

Mammals

American Pronghorn, Arizona Myotis, Black-footed Ferret, California Leaf-nosed Bat, Cave Myotis, Fringed Myotis, Greater Western Mastiff Bat, Gunnison's Prairie Dog, Mexican Free-tailed Bat, Pale Townsend's Big-eared Bat, Spotted Bat, American Beaver

Reptiles

Gila Monster, Narrow-headed Gartersnake, Mexican Gartersnake, Sonoran Desert Tortoise, Sonora Mud Turtle, Milksnake

Fish

See Associated Aquatic COAs for fish species.

Protected Areas and Other Areas of Conservation Value

  • Upper Verde River Wildlife Area (AZGFD)
  • Deadhorse Ranch State Park
  • Juniper Mesa Wilderness Area
  • Apache Creek Wilderness Area
  • Upper Burro Creek Wilderness Area
  • Grapevine Springs Special Botanical Area
  • Agua Fria Riparian Corridor
  • Jerome State Historic Park
  • Verde River Riparian Corridor

Potential Partners

  • US Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • Private Landowners
  • Prescott National Forest
  • Friends of Verde River
  • Arizona State Land Department
  • Arizona Department of Fire and Forestry Management
  • Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
  • Arizona Mule Deer Organization
  • Mule Deer Foundation
  • Arizona Antelope Foundation
  • Arizona Deer Association
  • Quail Forever/Pheasants Forever
  • Prescott Audubon Society
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • Arizona State Parks
  • Chino Winds NRDC
  • Triangle NRDC
  • Yavapai-Prescott Tribe
  • Arizona Elk Society
  • Yavapai-Apache Nation

Relevant Conservation Plans

Associated Aquatic COAs