Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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A view in the refuge
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 Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
Location in Arizona
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Pima County, Arizona, United States |
| Nearest city | Arivaca, Arizona |
| Area | 117,107 acres (473.92 km2) |
| Established | 1985 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (Buenos Aires NWR) provides 117,107 acres (47,392 ha) of habitat for threatened and endangered plants and animals. The refuge was established in 1985.
Natural history
The semidesert grassland supports the reintroduction of masked bobwhite quail and pronghorns. Prescribed and natural fires play a major role in maintaining and restoring the sea of grass that once filled the Altar Valley. Riparian (wetland) areas along Arivaca Cienega and Arivaca Creek attract an abundance of birds. Brown Canyon, to the west of the Arivaca Creek area, is nestled in the Baboquivari Mountains, where a sycamore-lined stream meanders through oak woodland.
Fauna
The Refuge is home to 58 mammal species. Among the larger species are mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, javelina and puma. There are also more than 325 different bird species and 53 species of reptiles and amphibians.
There is also a small jaguar population in the area, which is contiguous, with Mexico. Between 2004 and 2007 an old male jaguar was followed by researchers in the area. The animal was called 'Macho B' by the researchers and has been previously photographed in 1996 in the area. During the study its home range compassed the mountains to east and west of the Altar Valley, which is situated in the Refuge. In addition at least one other jaguar was recorded in the area during that study.
The male jaguar, 'Macho B', is dead. The jaguar was euthanized after being captured on a snare trap. The trauma from the capture was too much for the 16-year-old feline.
Images for kids
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Welcome sign at the Arivaca Creek trailhead.
