Sierra San Antonio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sierra San Antonio |
|
|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Peak | ? |
| Elevation | 7,221 ft (2,201 m) |
| Geography | |
| Country | Mexico |
| State | Sonora |
The Sierra San Antonio is a mountain range found in two countries. It stretches across the southern part of Arizona in the United States and the northern part of Sonora in Mexico.
Exploring the Sierra San Antonio Mountains
This mountain range stretches for about 10 miles (16 kilometers). It forms the southern part of the Patagonia Mountains. The Sierra San Antonio starts near the U.S.-Mexico border. From there, it gently slopes down into Mexico. The mountains are named after Saint Antonio, a Roman Catholic saint.
Just south of the Sierra San Antonio is the Sierra La Esmeralda. This range is the northernmost part of a much larger mountain system. This system is called the Sierra Madre Occidental. A "cordillera" is a large system or chain of mountains.
North of the border, about two miles (3.2 km) from the Sierra San Antonio, is Mount Washington. This peak reaches 7,221 feet (2,201 meters) high. It is the tallest point in the Patagonia Mountains.
Wildlife in the Sky Islands
The Sierra San Antonio is part of a special area called the Madrean Sky Islands. These "sky islands" are high mountains that stand out like islands in a sea of lower desert land. They have unique habitats, which are natural homes for different plants and animals.
Scientists study many species in these sky island habitats. These areas are found in the higher mountains of northern Sonora and Chihuahua in Mexico. They also extend into southeast Arizona and southwestern New Mexico in the U.S.
For example, researchers study horned lizards in these mountain areas. They look at how these lizards live in different ranges, including the Sierra San Luis range to the east. The sky islands provide important places for these animals to live and thrive.
