WILDLIFE NUMBERS ON EXCELLENT AND GOOD CONDITION CHIHUAHUAN DESERT RANGELANDS - AN OBSERVATION

Information is lacking on the influence of range condition on wildlife populations in the Chihuahuan Desert. Wildlife observations were made along transects on ranges in excellent and good ecological condition in south-central New Mexico (86% and 72% of climax vegetation remainin g, respectively). Black grama (Bouteloua eriopoda Torr.) dominated the excellent condition range while the good condition range had a mixtur e of grasses, forbs, and shrubs. Plant species diversity was greater o n the good compared to excellent condition range. Total mammal sightin gs/km(2) during the study period were higher (P<0.05) on the good comp ared to excellent condition range (October 1991 through October 1992). More species of wildlife were seen on the good compared to excellent condition range. Sightings of important game species (scaled quail, mo urning doves, pronghorn, desert cottontails) were higher on the good c ompared to excellent condition range, Lack of diversity in vegetation composition and structure appear to explain the lower wildlife sightin gs on the excellent condition range. Results from this study indicate that Chihuahuan Desert ranges in good ecological condition (51-75% of the climax vegetation) will better meet the needs of most wildlife spe cies than ranges in climax or near climax range condition. Research sh ows grazing intensities that remove on average about 1/3 of current ye ar's growth of key forage species (black grama) are effective in devel oping and maintaining range in good ecological condition in the Chihua huan Desert.