Animals and Plants
The different forest and habitat types provide for numerous species of wildlife, extractable resources, and special places for people to enjoy the outdoors.
This diverse ecosystem supports a rich variety of wildlife, from desert reptiles to alpine mammals. The Santa Fe National Forest is a testament to the power of nature and the importance of conservation.
Animals
The Santa Fe National Forest provides habitat for a diverse number of wildlife species - from highly coveted fish and game animals to rare endangered species. Learn about Santa Fe National Forest wildlife and their habitats.
Plants
Plants are important in the Santa Fe National Forest to support diverse, resilient, and functioning native understory plant communities, for cultural purposes and traditional uses, and to meet wildlife needs.
Exotic and Invasive Species
Invasive species generally possess one or more of the following characteristics:
- Aggressive and difficult to manage
- Poisonous
- Toxic
- Parasitic
- A carrier or host of serious insect or disease
- Nonnative, new, or not common to the United States or parts thereof.