|
|
Biogeographic Regions of ArizonaCentral Highlands Region |
   
  |
Separating the generally cooler and higher terrain of northern
Arizona from the hot lowlands of southern Arizona is an area of
rugged mountainous country: the Central Highlands
region. This region is a major geological and ecological
transition zone stretching from the highlands of the upper Verde
River valley southeastward along the prominent Mogollon Rim all
the way across the state to the
White Mountains of eastern Arizona. The Mogollon Rim defines the
very southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. Several rugged
mountain ranges rise to nearly 8000 feet just south of the rim
including the Mazaztal and Sierra Ancha ranges. The largest
ponderosa pine forest in the United States covers most of this
region above 6500 feet in elevation, while lower areas are covered
by pinyon pine, juniper, and oak woodlands, chaparral, or to the
south and east Sonoran desertscrub. The higher terrain of the
White Mountains is forested with a beautiful mix of aspen, pine,
spruce, and fir.
These biotic communities and their associated wildlife can be found in the Central Highlands Region. Subalpine Spruce-Fir Forest, Montane Mixed-Conifer Forest, Montane Ponderosa Pine Forest, Pinyon Pine-Juniper Woodland, Madrean Evergreen Woodland, Chaparral, Grasslands, Sonoran Desertscrub, Northern Arizona Riparian Woodland and Southern Arizona Riparian Woodland biotic communities. Webmaster |