The Tortolita Mountains are an important and biodiverse area in an increasingly fragmented and urbanized landscape northwest of Tucson. The mountains are dominated by upland Sonoran desert and semi-desert grassland habitats. Tortolita Mountain Park is a popular recreation area for residents of Marana and elsewhere. Located near Catalina State Park and Pusch Ridge Wilderness, the Tortolitas Maintains are an important linkage of scattered peaks in the northern sky islands region.
Conservation Goals
- Maintain connectivity between the Tortolitas and other important wild areas such as Catalina State Park and Pusch Ridge Wilderness.
- Increase awareness of responsible recreation and enforcement of current laws in order to maintain habitat protections.
Map
Primary Threats
4. Residential and Commercial Development
7. Human Intrusions and Disturbance
Potential Conservation Actions
1. Land and Water Protection
- Develop conservation easements on public or private lands in order to maintain and protect wildlife corridors.
2. Land and Water Management
- Improve habitat protections and enhancements to maintain the integrity of wild habitats in an increasingly isolated and fragmented area.
- Eradicate or control invasive vegetative species such as buffelgrass.
4. Education and Awareness
- Increase education of responsible recreation within the Park and Reserve and its important role in habitat connectivity throughout the landscape.
5. Law and Policy
- Work with local governments to incorporate wildlife protections and habitat connectivity into general plans.
- Ensure compliance with laws and regulations within the Park and Reserve to promote responsible recreation and habitat protection.
Habitats Present
Strategy Species
Amphibians
Birds
Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Golden Eagle, Harris's Hawk, Rufous-winged Sparrow, Zone-tailed Hawk
Invertebrates
Mammals
California Myotis, Cave Myotis, Lesser Long-nosed Bat, Pale Townsend's Big-eared Bat
Reptiles
Canyon Spotted Whiptail, Gila Monster, Sonoran Desert Tortoise, Variable Sandsnake, Tiger Rattlesnake
Fish
See Associated Aquatic COAs for fish species.
Protected Areas and Other Areas of Conservation Value
- Catalina State Park
- Tortolita Mountain Park
- Tortolita Preserve
Potential Partners
- Tucson Audubon Society
- Pima County
- Pinal County
- Arizona State Land Department
- Town of Marana
- Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
- The Sonoran Institute
Relevant Conservation Plans
- Arizona Missing Linkage - Tucson-Tortolita-Santa Catalina
- Pima County Multi-Species Conservation Plan
Associated Aquatic COAs
- No associated Aquatic COAs