Big Johnson Reservoir

Ecosystem Overview

The Big Johnson Reservoir ecosystem supports 19 documented wildlife species across 18 taxonomic genera. Located in El Paso County, Colorado, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 4 frequently observed species and 3 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. While Air Force Academy nearby has 27% more documented species, Big Johnson Reservoir offers unique wildlife observation opportunities. This location ranks #7 for species diversity among 15 El Paso County County natural areas, placing it in the 53th percentile for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 15 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common4 species

Common6 species

Occasional6 species

Rare3 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#7 of 15 locations

53th percentile for diversity

vs. Air Force Academy

-27% species diversity

Ecosystem Overview

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Biodiversity Highlights

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Species Distribution

Very Common‌

Common‌

Occasional‌

Rare‌

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

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Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 19 total documented species.

Cynomys ludovicianus

Black-tailed Prairie Dog

Very Common3 obs.

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

American White Pelican

Very Common3 obs.

Gavia arctica

black-throated loon

Very Common2 obs.

Ipomoea leptophylla

bush moonflower

Very Common2 obs.

Himantopus mexicanus

Black-necked Stilt

Very Common2 obs.

Recurvirostra americana

American avocet

Common1 obs.

Charadrius semipalmatus

Semipalmated Plover

Common1 obs.

Charadrius vociferus

Killdeer

Common1 obs.

Egretta thula

Snowy Egret

Common1 obs.

Falco peregrinus

peregrine falcon

Common1 obs.

Chlidonias niger

Black Tern

Common1 obs.

Actitis macularius

spotted sandpiper

Occasional1 obs.

Aythya valisineria

Canvasback

Occasional1 obs.

Plantago patagonica

Woolly Indianwheat

Occasional1 obs.

Phalaropus tricolor

wilson’s phalarope

Occasional1 obs.

Leucophaeus atricilla

Laughing Gull

Occasional1 obs.

Chauliognathus basalis

Occasional1 obs.

Thelesperma megapotamicum

Rare1 obs.

Spatula discors

Blue-winged Teal

Rare1 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

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Most Common Species

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Want the Complete Field Guide?

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Get Your Personalized Field Guide

Download a professional PDF field guide featuring all the species found in Big Johnson Reservoir. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

$6.99

Get Your Personalized Field Guide

Download a professional PDF field guide featuring all the species found in Big Johnson Reservoir. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

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$6.99

Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-69%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in El Paso County County, Colorado

Nearby Natural Areas

Air Force Academy

Importance: 0.54

26 species

-27% vs. current

El Paso County

Importance: 0.45

100 species

-81% vs. current

Fountain

Importance: 0.45

100 species

-81% vs. current

Fort Carson

Importance: 0.36

1 species

+1800% vs. current

Security-widefield

Importance: 0.35

100 species

-81% vs. current

Colorado Springs

Importance: 0.35

100 species

-81% vs. current

Prospect Lake

Importance: 0.35

58 species

-67% vs. current

South Rice's Pond

Importance: 0.35

14 species

+36% vs. current

About This Comparison

These comparisons are based on documented wildlife observations from citizen science data. Locations with higher species counts may have more observation activity, different habitat types, or larger coverage areas. Regional rankings help identify biodiversity hotspots and unique natural areas within El Paso County County.

Regional Comparison

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Regional Ranking

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Species Count

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vs. Regional Average

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Nearby Natural Areas

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About This Comparison

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-69%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in El Paso County County, Colorado

Nearby Natural Areas

Air Force Academy

Importance: 0.54

26 species

-27% vs. current

El Paso County

Importance: 0.45

100 species

-81% vs. current

Fountain

Importance: 0.45

100 species

-81% vs. current

Fort Carson

Importance: 0.36

1 species

+1800% vs. current

Security-widefield

Importance: 0.35

100 species

-81% vs. current

Colorado Springs

Importance: 0.35

100 species

-81% vs. current

Prospect Lake

Importance: 0.35

58 species

-67% vs. current

South Rice's Pond

Importance: 0.35

14 species

+36% vs. current

About This Comparison

Ecosystem Overview

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 15 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common4 species

Common6 species

Occasional6 species

Rare3 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#7 of 15 locations

53th percentile for diversity

vs. Air Force Academy

-27% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 19 total documented species.

Cynomys ludovicianus

Black-tailed Prairie Dog

Very Common3 obs.

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

American White Pelican

Very Common3 obs.

Gavia arctica

black-throated loon

Very Common2 obs.

Ipomoea leptophylla

bush moonflower

Very Common2 obs.

Himantopus mexicanus

Black-necked Stilt

Very Common2 obs.

Recurvirostra americana

American avocet

Common1 obs.

Charadrius semipalmatus

Semipalmated Plover

Common1 obs.

Charadrius vociferus

Killdeer

Common1 obs.

Egretta thula

Snowy Egret

Common1 obs.

Falco peregrinus

peregrine falcon

Common1 obs.

Chlidonias niger

Black Tern

Common1 obs.

Actitis macularius

spotted sandpiper

Occasional1 obs.

Aythya valisineria

Canvasback

Occasional1 obs.

Plantago patagonica

Woolly Indianwheat

Occasional1 obs.

Phalaropus tricolor

wilson’s phalarope

Occasional1 obs.

Leucophaeus atricilla

Laughing Gull

Occasional1 obs.

Chauliognathus basalis

Occasional1 obs.

Thelesperma megapotamicum

Rare1 obs.

Spatula discors

Blue-winged Teal

Rare1 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 19 species with 3-4 high-quality images each, detailed descriptions, and a downloadable PDF for offline use.

Premium field guide includes identification tips, seasonal patterns, and professional layout optimized for field use.