Jornada Biosphere Reserve

Jornada Biosphere Reserve is a protected area in southern New Mexico that extends from the San Andres Mountains across shrub woodlands to semi-desert grasslands. The landscape combines varied terrain types, mixing typical desert habitats with open grass areas.

President William H. Taft established the reserve in 1912 through an executive order for managing federal lands. The original designation emphasized its focus on rangeland management and land conservation.

The site functions as a working research center where scientists study desert ecosystems and climate impacts. Visitors can observe how scientific work shapes understanding of these fragile landscapes.

Access is restricted and visitors need permits from site managers before entering. Plan ahead and check current access rules since research activities may limit visitor availability.

The area is home to banner-tailed kangaroo rats and oryx antelopes, an African species that has lived here since the 1960s. This unusual mix makes the place valuable for studying how different animal species interact in desert settings.

Location: New Mexico

GPS coordinates: 32.37000,-106.45000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 15:00