Inventory studies at Montezuma Castle National Monument

Drost, C.

A broad-based inventory of the flora and fauna of Montezuma Castle National Monument in 1991- 1994 provided comprehensive information on terrestrial vegetation, aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, along with a series of historic photos documenting change in the area. This report summarizes and updates the inventory information to August 2005. The inventory project was motivated by perceived threats to the natural community protected by the Monument, notaliy drawdown of the water table supporting the riparian and aquatic communities, and water quality degradation due to development in the surrounding the area. Important results of the inventory include: 1) Historic photos showing landscape features and habitat changes since the late 1800's; 2) Evidence of decline in mesquite bosques along Beaver Creek due to decreases in ground water; 3) Discovery of new aquatic invertebrate species from the unique limestone spring pool at Montezuma Well; 4) Data on community dynamics of state-listed sensitive fish (Desert Sucker, Sonoran Sucker, and Longfin Dace); 5) Detailed overview of the bird community, including nesting Common Black Hawks and Yellow-billed Cuckoos; 6) Discovery of new mammal species for the Monument (Desert Shrew and Fringed Myotis), and documentation of the loss of several native mammal species in historic times.

Inventory studies at Montezuma Castle National Monument

Collections