Alpine tundra occurs on isolated mountain summits above timberline from 12,499 to 13,156 feet (Brown 1994). In New Mexico, this community extends from the Colorado border south to areas northeast of Santa Fe. It also includes the summits of Sierra Blanca, Mt. Taylor, and South Baldy in the Magdalena mountains.

This habitat is an extension of the extensive Rocky Mountain alpine tundra found further north. The vegetation includes lichens (various genera), mosses (various genera), sedges (Carex spp.), low-growing shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Elfin growth forms of conifers (krummholz) are sometimes included. All vegetation is adapted to short growing seasons, extreme cold temperatures, drought, and isolation (Brown 1994). Predominant grasses include: tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa), alpine fescue (Festuca brachyphylla), bluegrasses (Poa spp.) and spike trisetum (Trisetum spicatum spp. spicatum). Other grass-like plants include rushes (Juncus spp.). Common low forbs include avens (Geum sp.), yarrow (Achillea sp.), Erigeron simples, Hymenoxys brandegei, cinquefoil (Pontentilla sp.), Saxifrage spp., and clovers (Trifolium spp.).

Currently there is little concern about habitat deterioration in New Mexico. However, it is easily damaged by continued pressure from hikers and livestock. If the vegetation is broken, the soil below rapidly erodes. This process is difficult to stop due to severe climate and the freeze-thaw cycle of the soil. Also, because wood is scarce here and the krummholz grows slowly, campers using wood for fires can quickly deplete the wood resources in this habitat (Dick-Peddie 1993).

All alpine tundra in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is managed by the United States Forest Service, as is Mt. Taylor and South Baldy. Sierra Blanca is owned and managed by the Mescalero Apache.

Physiographic Areas covered: Mogollon Rim, Colorado Plateau and the Southern Rocky Mountains

Table 1. Alpine Tundra Priority Species

Bird Habitat Requirements, Population and/or Habitat Objectives:
(in taxonomic order)

• predominantly rocky areas, krummholz, moist vegetation near snowfields and streams, and willow-dominated communities
• summering areas include Trifolium cushion fellfields, Carex meadow, Carex-Geum rock meadows and vegetation near receding snowfields
• nest sites are on the ground, sometimes in rocky areas usually with lateral or overhead cover, and snow-free by June

• uses cirque headwalls, talus slopes and permanent or late-melting snowfields
• nests on cliffs or on the ground, both with an overhanging rock for concealment
• nests often placed near snowfields and situated so that sunlight does not hit the nest
• frequently forages at the edges of snowfields for seeds and torpid insects gleaned from snowbanks

Firewood-cutting - Because wood is scarce and the krummholz grows slowly, it is recommended that all firewood cutting be eliminated.

Grazing - Restrict grazing to maintain the integrity of fragile tundra habitat. If grazing must occur in this habitat, delay grazing till August.

Recreation - Maintain responsible recreation use in alpine areas to minimize damage to this habitat and reduce erosion.