Riparian Areas
Riparian areas are called the "ribbons of green" in the Chihuahuan Desert. They are the banks of rivers or streams, or the fertile areas surrounding other bodies of water. Many plants and animals live in these areas because of the abundance of water. Many animals visit riparian areas to drink, mate, or to just cool off.
Riparian areas are very important to the desert because they meet many needs. They purify the water as it moves through; they reduce stream bank erosion; they support a diversity of wildlife and plant species; they maintain habitat for healthy fish populations; and they provide water, forage, and shade for animals. They also provide a cooling effect because of the evaporation and vegetation around their banks.
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, located south of Socorro, New Mexico, is typical of riparian areas... an oasis in the desert.
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The major riparian areas in the Chihuahuan are found along the banks of the Rio Grande and Pecos Rivers; near the Bosque del Apache wetlands near Socorro, New Mexico; along mountain streams; and around some of the man-made bodies of water, such as Bonita Lake. These areas have undergone serious changes since the management of irrigation in New Mexico. Once the Rio Grande meandered through its river valley year-round, creating lush stands of cottonwood. Now it flows only seasonally through pre-set boundaries. In many places, the foliage has been cut to allow for a cleaner flow of water. However, man has added new riparian areas with the creation of the same dams and ditches that have affected the river. The effects of all these changes on the plant and animal species may take some time to be evaluated.