Chaffee County

Ecosystem Overview

The Chaffee County ecosystem supports 100 documented wildlife species across 81 taxonomic genera. Located in Chaffee County, Colorado, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 21 frequently observed species and 19 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. Compared to nearby Salida, Chaffee County hosts 1567% more species diversity. This location ranks #1 for species diversity among 4 Chaffee County County natural areas, placing it in the 75th percentile for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

100

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 4 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common21 species

Common30 species

Occasional30 species

Rare19 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#1 of 4 locations

75th percentile for diversity

vs. Salida

+1567% 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 100 total documented species.

Penstemon whippleanus

Whipple's penstemon

Very Common15 obs.

Aquilegia coerulea

Rocky Mountain columbine

Very Common12 obs.

Castilleja occidentalis

western paintbrush

Very Common11 obs.

Chamaenerion angustifolium

French-Willow

Very Common11 obs.

Tharsalea dorcas

Very Common11 obs.

Fragaria virginiana

Thickleaved Wild Strawberry

Common10 obs.

Oenothera coronopifolia

Common10 obs.

Cercocarpus montanus

mountain-mahogany

Common9 obs.

Penstemon hallii

Common9 obs.

Achillea millefolium

yarrow, milfoil

Common9 obs.

Populus tremuloides

Aspen Poplar

Common9 obs.

Senecio atratus

Occasional8 obs.

Pediocactus simpsonii

Snowball Pediocactus

Occasional8 obs.

Mertensia ciliata

tall fringed bluebells

Occasional8 obs.

Odocoileus hemionus

mule deer

Occasional8 obs.

Opuntia polyacantha

Plains Pricklypear

Occasional8 obs.

Dasiphora fruticosa

Widdy

Occasional8 obs.

Geum rossii

alpine avens

Rare8 obs.

Gentiana parryi

Rare7 obs.

Juniperus communis

juniper

Rare7 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 Chaffee County. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

100

Species Count

+809%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 3 nearby locations in Chaffee County County, Colorado

Nearby Natural Areas

Salida

Importance: 0.45

6 species

+1567% vs. current

Buena Vista

Importance: 0.30

24 species

+317% vs. current

Poncha Springs

Importance: 0.24

2 species

+4900% 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 Chaffee 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

100

Species Count

+809%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 3 nearby locations in Chaffee County County, Colorado

Nearby Natural Areas

Salida

Importance: 0.45

6 species

+1567% vs. current

Buena Vista

Importance: 0.30

24 species

+317% vs. current

Poncha Springs

Importance: 0.24

2 species

+4900% vs. current

About This Comparison

Ecosystem Overview

Biodiversity Highlights

100

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 4 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common21 species

Common30 species

Occasional30 species

Rare19 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#1 of 4 locations

75th percentile for diversity

vs. Salida

+1567% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 100 total documented species.

Penstemon whippleanus

Whipple's penstemon

Very Common15 obs.

Aquilegia coerulea

Rocky Mountain columbine

Very Common12 obs.

Castilleja occidentalis

western paintbrush

Very Common11 obs.

Chamaenerion angustifolium

French-Willow

Very Common11 obs.

Tharsalea dorcas

Very Common11 obs.

Fragaria virginiana

Thickleaved Wild Strawberry

Common10 obs.

Oenothera coronopifolia

Common10 obs.

Cercocarpus montanus

mountain-mahogany

Common9 obs.

Penstemon hallii

Common9 obs.

Achillea millefolium

yarrow, milfoil

Common9 obs.

Populus tremuloides

Aspen Poplar

Common9 obs.

Senecio atratus

Occasional8 obs.

Pediocactus simpsonii

Snowball Pediocactus

Occasional8 obs.

Mertensia ciliata

tall fringed bluebells

Occasional8 obs.

Odocoileus hemionus

mule deer

Occasional8 obs.

Opuntia polyacantha

Plains Pricklypear

Occasional8 obs.

Dasiphora fruticosa

Widdy

Occasional8 obs.

Geum rossii

alpine avens

Rare8 obs.

Gentiana parryi

Rare7 obs.

Juniperus communis

juniper

Rare7 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 100 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.