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Arizona is One of the Most Biologically Diverse States in the Country

Nature Conservancy Report Finds That More Than 13 Percent of Species Face Risk of Extinction

PHOENIX, AZ — April 22, 2002 — While Arizona harbors a greater diversity of plants and animals than almost any state in the country, more than 13 percent of those species are considered rare or at risk of extinction, according to a new study released today by The Nature Conservancy.

The study, States of the Union: Ranking America's Biodiversity,ranked Arizona third in the nation for the overall number of different plant and animal species found in the state (4,759); higher than any other noncoastal state. Specifically, the Conservancy-commissioned report found that Arizona has the second greatest number of different species of reptiles (102), the third greatest number of different species of birds (435) and vascular plants (3,512), and the fifth greatest number of different species of mammals (102). Arizona has the eighth highest number of endemic (unique to the area) species, with 135 species found no where else in the world.

The top-ranking states in four categories:

Dr. Bruce A. Stein, author of the report and a senior scientist with NatureServe, said "the report highlights the interplay between the nation's natural history and human history, and provides insights into the scale of the nation's conservation challenges and opportunities." He notes that areas with the greatest species diversity are found in the topographically and climatically diverse Southwest, with California (6,717 species), Texas (6,273 species) and Arizona (4,759) leading the nation.

Arizona ranks high in diversity and endemism, in part because of its geography. Located along the nation's southern border, the state overlaps several major ecological regions and habitats, including elements of the southwestern deserts, the Plains grasslands, the Rocky Mountains and, at the state's southern end, the Mexican Sierra Madre. As a result, Arizona has a unique blend of northern and southern species commingled within the state.

Unfortunately, this biological richness is also under threat. More than 13 percent of Arizona's species are considered at risk. Arizona ranks seventh in the number of species at risk, with more native fish species at risk (86%) than any other state. The state is ranked fifth for both at-risk plants and amphibians.

Risk: Top-Ranking States by Species at Risk in six Categories

"This study paints both a hopeful and troubling portrait," said Pat Graham, director of The Nature Conservancy's Arizona chapter. "Arizonans have long recognized the great biological diversity of our state, from the saguaro and ironwood forests of the Sonoran Desert to the pronghorn antelope on our grasslands and Apache trout in our mountain streams. At the same time, there is a sense of urgency. Many species are at risk, and their habitat is being permanently lost. This is a challenge that requires the same kind of leadership needed to address the more publicized issues in Arizona. For our part, The Nature Conservancy is reaching beyond the boundaries of our preserves, forging conservation partnerships and offering sound science to focus attention on the most significant threats. Together with communities, businesses, and committed people, we need to preserve precious places-as they were, as they are, and as they will be."

According to Steve McCormick, president of The Nature Conservancy, "As an important snapshot of the biological health of our nation, the study shows the extraordinary richness of the flora and fauna across all 50 states. But it also serves as a stark reminder that too many of these species are at risk of vanishing forever. Ecoregional planning and the protection of whole functional landscapes provide us with the ability to reduce the number of species at risk. This will not be an easy task, but future generations will judge us on our ability to succeed."

A complete copy of the study and rankings can be found at http://nature.org/earthday/work/.

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The Nature Conservancy of Arizona
The Nature Conservancy of Arizona, a state chapter of The Nature Conservancy, conserves habitat for native wildlife, using science-based research and a cooperative, community-based approach to protect the animals and plants that represent Arizona's precious natural heritage.

The Nature Conservancy of Arizona has been actively engaged in saving our state's last great places for wildlife and for people for nearly 40 years. Together with communities, private citizens, businesses and public agencies, it has helped to protect more than 1 million acres of significant habitat statewide. The Conservancy also owns and manages nature preserves in Arizona. For more information on The Nature Conservancy of Arizona and how to visit its preserves, visit our website at nature.org/arizona, call our Tucson Conservation Center at (520) 622-3861, or our Phoenix Conservation Center at (602) 712-0048.

NatureServe
NatureServe is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the scientific knowledge and tools that form the basis for effective conservation action. NatureServe represents a network of 75 natural heritage programs and conservation data centers in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean that assess the condition and distribution of plants, animals, and ecosystems. NatureServe and its natural heritage program members are the leading source for detailed scientific information on rare and endangered species, and threatened ecosystems. On the web at www.natureserve.org