Arizona Habitats

The state of Arizona contains approximately 73 million acres. The state is diverse topographically, vegetatively and geologically. Elevations range from about 75 feet above sea level (near Yuma) to 12,643 feet (San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff). Precipitation ranges from fewer than three inches to more than 30 inches per year, depending on elevation and location.

Environments range from the hot, dry deserts of southern Arizona; through grasslands and woodlands in mid-elevations; continuing to cold, moist forests at higher elevations; and up to alpine tundra at the highest elevations.

The Commission and Department have management authority for all wildlife in the state, but share the management responsibility for habitat with many partners. A multitude of state, federal, tribal and local agencies as well as private landowners manage Arizona’s land areas. Arizona shares its borders with California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado and Mexico. The Department therefore partners with these entities on wildlife, land and water management projects to further its mission.