Open Woodlands
Open woodlands within the Chihuahuan Desert are recognized by the presence of oak, piñon, and juniper trees. These drought-tolerant trees are typically less than 30 feet and no more than 50 feet tall. Many other shrubs and grasses that are well adapted to the climate may also be present. Open woodlands are usually found at elevations between 5000 feet and 6500 feet in New Mexico, although in other, colder parts of the country, they are at lower elevations with different indicator species. Aguirre Springs in the Organ Mountains near Las Cruces, New Mexico, and parts of the Guadalupe Mountains near Carlsbad, New Mexico, are two examples of open woodlands habitats.
In years of abundant moisture, oak, piñon, and juniper trees produce fruit or nuts that is eaten by resident animals. The usable nutrition contained in these foods is incredible. Piñon nuts are 60% fat; one juniper berry has 350 calories of energy. Birds and mammals search diligently to find these nuts and berries. Openings in woodlands also provide grazing animals, rodents, and birds with nutritious grasses. Open woodlands offer a home to many diverse species of plants and animals, from large grazers down to small seed-gatherers. Though the woodlands are seasonally dry, there is usually enough water from rain for spadefoot toads to emerge from their burrows to breed and lay their eggs. More soil moisture is available than in the lower habitats. Still the upper layers of soil dry out quickly, which makes it difficult for plants to reproduce by distributing their seeds. So animals in these woodlands help carry the seeds from place to place to aid in plant reproduction. As in all other habitats, the relationships between the various species living there helps to keep the entire ecosystem alive.