Arizona Wildlife Conservation Strategy

Quigley-Achee COA

This COA has been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) because it has nearly 20 acres of wetland habitats that are critical for wildlife in this otherwise arid agricultural landscape. The area is home to several secretive marshbird species, including the federally-endangered Ridgway’s (Yuma) rail. Invasive salt cedar and arroweed continue to threaten these habitats and consistent management is required to keep these species in check. Abundance of these invasive species is also increasing fire risk at the site.

Conservation Goals

  • Invasive plant species are removed and restored with native species, including cottonwood and willow.
  • Adequate water levels in wetland areas are maintained to provide quality habitats for nesting birds as well as migratory stopover habitats.

Map

Primary Threats

1. Agriculture

1.3: Livestock farming and ranching

3. Climate Change and Severe Weather

3.1: Habitat shifting and alteration

8. Invasive and Other Problematic Species

8.1: Invasive non-native species

9. Natural System Modifications

9.1: Fire and fire suppression

Potential Conservation Actions

2. Land and Water Management

2.1: Site/area management
  • Improve groundwater management to maintain water levels in wetlands habitats.
2.2: Invasive/problematic species control
  • Remove invasive salt cedar and other invasive plant species to improve habitat quality and reduce risk of devastating wildfire.

Habitats Present

Strategy Species

Birds

California Black Rail, Common Gallinule, Western Least Bittern, Ridgway's Rail, Sora, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Virginia Rail, Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Mammals

Wupatki Arizona Pocket Mouse, California Leaf-nosed Bat, Desert Pocket Mouse, Yuma Hispid Cotton Rat, Mexican Free-tailed Bat, Spotted Bat, Western Red Bat, Western Yellow Bat, Yuma Myotis

Fish

See Associated Aquatic COAs for fish species.

Protected Areas and Other Areas of Conservation Value

  • No associated Protected Areas

Potential Partners

  • Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • US Bureau of Reclamation
  • Arizona State Land Department
  • Rivers Edge West
  • Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation District
  • Cocopah Tribe
  • Quechan Tribe

Relevant Conservation Plans

  • Yuma Clapper Rail Recovery Plan
  • Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program

Associated Aquatic COAs

  • No associated Aquatic COAs