Cheraw Lake

Ecosystem Overview

The Cheraw Lake ecosystem supports 14 documented wildlife species across 13 taxonomic genera. Located in Otero County, Colorado, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 3 frequently observed species and 2 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. Compared to nearby La Junta, Cheraw Lake hosts 133% more species diversity. This location ranks #2 for species diversity among 6 Otero County County natural areas, placing it in the 67th 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 6 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common3 species

Common5 species

Occasional4 species

Rare2 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#2 of 6 locations

67th percentile for diversity

vs. La Junta

+133% 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 14 total documented species.

Ischnura verticalis

Eastern Forktail

Very Common1 obs.

Libellula luctuosa

Widow Skimmer

Very Common1 obs.

Melanoplus differentialis

Differential Grasshopper

Very Common1 obs.

Holbrookia maculata

Lesser Earless Lizard

Very Common1 obs.

Chlidonias niger

Black Tern

Very Common1 obs.

Limosa fedoa

Marbled Godwit

Common1 obs.

Calidris mauri

Western Sandpiper

Common1 obs.

Calidris minutilla

least sandpiper

Common1 obs.

Numenius phaeopus

whimbrel

Common1 obs.

Clangula hyemalis

long-tailed duck

Common1 obs.

Enallagma civile

Familiar Bluet

Common1 obs.

Himantopus mexicanus

Black-necked Stilt

Occasional1 obs.

Phalaropus tricolor

wilson’s phalarope

Occasional1 obs.

Nebulatettix subgracilis

Southwestern Dusky Grasshopper

Occasional1 obs.

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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 Cheraw Lake. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

$6.99

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-39%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 5 nearby locations in Otero County County, Colorado

Nearby Natural Areas

La Junta

Importance: 0.45

6 species

+133% vs. current

Otero County

Importance: 0.45

100 species

-86% vs. current

Rocky Ford

Importance: 0.27

6 species

+133% vs. current

Cheraw

Importance: 0.24

1 species

+1300% vs. current

Holbrook Reservoir

Importance: 0.20

2 species

+600% 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 Otero 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

-39%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 5 nearby locations in Otero County County, Colorado

Nearby Natural Areas

La Junta

Importance: 0.45

6 species

+133% vs. current

Otero County

Importance: 0.45

100 species

-86% vs. current

Rocky Ford

Importance: 0.27

6 species

+133% vs. current

Cheraw

Importance: 0.24

1 species

+1300% vs. current

Holbrook Reservoir

Importance: 0.20

2 species

+600% 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 6 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common3 species

Common5 species

Occasional4 species

Rare2 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#2 of 6 locations

67th percentile for diversity

vs. La Junta

+133% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 14 total documented species.

Ischnura verticalis

Eastern Forktail

Very Common1 obs.

Libellula luctuosa

Widow Skimmer

Very Common1 obs.

Melanoplus differentialis

Differential Grasshopper

Very Common1 obs.

Holbrookia maculata

Lesser Earless Lizard

Very Common1 obs.

Chlidonias niger

Black Tern

Very Common1 obs.

Limosa fedoa

Marbled Godwit

Common1 obs.

Calidris mauri

Western Sandpiper

Common1 obs.

Calidris minutilla

least sandpiper

Common1 obs.

Numenius phaeopus

whimbrel

Common1 obs.

Clangula hyemalis

long-tailed duck

Common1 obs.

Enallagma civile

Familiar Bluet

Common1 obs.

Himantopus mexicanus

Black-necked Stilt

Occasional1 obs.

Phalaropus tricolor

wilson’s phalarope

Occasional1 obs.

Nebulatettix subgracilis

Southwestern Dusky Grasshopper

Occasional1 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 14 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.