Alto Reservoir

Ecosystem Overview

The Alto Reservoir ecosystem supports 12 documented wildlife species across 9 taxonomic genera. Located in Lincoln County, New Mexico, 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. While Lincoln County nearby has 88% more documented species, Alto Reservoir offers unique wildlife observation opportunities. This location ranks #5 for species diversity among 8 Lincoln County County natural areas, placing it in the 38th 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 8 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common3 species

Common4 species

Occasional3 species

Rare2 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#5 of 8 locations

38th percentile for diversity

vs. Lincoln County

-88% 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 12 total documented species.

Fulica americana

American Coot

Very Common7 obs.

Bucephala albeola

Bufflehead

Very Common6 obs.

Aythya valisineria

Canvasback

Very Common4 obs.

Bucephala clangula

common goldeneye

Very Common4 obs.

Lophodytes cucullatus

Hooded Merganser

Very Common4 obs.

Aythya marila

greater scaup

Common2 obs.

Pandion haliaetus

osprey

Common1 obs.

Podilymbus podiceps

Pied-billed grebe

Common1 obs.

Aythya affinis

Lesser Scaup

Common1 obs.

Oxyura jamaicensis

Ruddy Duck

Common1 obs.

Spatula clypeata

Northern Shoveler

Common1 obs.

Anas platyrhynchos

mallard

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 Alto 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 Alto Reservoir. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-68%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 7 nearby locations in Lincoln County County, New Mexico

Nearby Natural Areas

Lincoln County

Importance: 0.38

100 species

-88% vs. current

Ruidoso

Importance: 0.38

100 species

-88% vs. current

Carrizozo

Importance: 0.32

27 species

-56% vs. current

Capitan

Importance: 0.28

7 species

+71% vs. current

Ruidoso Downs

Importance: 0.25

20 species

-40% vs. current

Alto Reservoir

Importance: 0.20

5 species

+140% vs. current

Grindstone Lake

in Ruidoso

Importance: 0.20

3 species

+300% 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 Lincoln 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

-68%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 7 nearby locations in Lincoln County County, New Mexico

Nearby Natural Areas

Lincoln County

Importance: 0.38

100 species

-88% vs. current

Ruidoso

Importance: 0.38

100 species

-88% vs. current

Carrizozo

Importance: 0.32

27 species

-56% vs. current

Capitan

Importance: 0.28

7 species

+71% vs. current

Ruidoso Downs

Importance: 0.25

20 species

-40% vs. current

Alto Reservoir

Importance: 0.20

5 species

+140% vs. current

Grindstone Lake

in Ruidoso

Importance: 0.20

3 species

+300% 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 8 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common3 species

Common4 species

Occasional3 species

Rare2 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#5 of 8 locations

38th percentile for diversity

vs. Lincoln County

-88% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 12 total documented species.

Fulica americana

American Coot

Very Common7 obs.

Bucephala albeola

Bufflehead

Very Common6 obs.

Aythya valisineria

Canvasback

Very Common4 obs.

Bucephala clangula

common goldeneye

Very Common4 obs.

Lophodytes cucullatus

Hooded Merganser

Very Common4 obs.

Aythya marila

greater scaup

Common2 obs.

Pandion haliaetus

osprey

Common1 obs.

Podilymbus podiceps

Pied-billed grebe

Common1 obs.

Aythya affinis

Lesser Scaup

Common1 obs.

Oxyura jamaicensis

Ruddy Duck

Common1 obs.

Spatula clypeata

Northern Shoveler

Common1 obs.

Anas platyrhynchos

mallard

Occasional1 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 12 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.