Payson

Ecosystem Overview

The Payson ecosystem supports 32 documented wildlife species across 30 taxonomic genera. Located in Gila County, Arizona, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 7 frequently observed species and 6 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. While Gila County nearby has 68% more documented species, Payson offers unique wildlife observation opportunities. This location ranks #2 for species diversity among 4 Gila County County natural areas, placing it in the 50th 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 4 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common7 species

Common10 species

Occasional9 species

Rare6 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#2 of 4 locations

50th percentile for diversity

vs. Gila County

-68% 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 32 total documented species.

Urosaurus ornatus

Tree Lizard

Very Common6 obs.

Verbascum thapsus

Aaron'S-Rod

Very Common3 obs.

Rhus aromatica

Squawbush

Very Common3 obs.

Sceloporus clarkii

Stejneger’s Spiny Lizard

Very Common2 obs.

Arctostaphylos pungens

point-leaf manzanita

Very Common2 obs.

Eriogonum wrightii

bastard-sage

Common2 obs.

Marrubium vulgare

white horehound

Common2 obs.

Sciurus arizonensis

Arizona Gray Squirrel

Common2 obs.

Polyphylla decemlineata

Common1 obs.

Pogonomyrmex occidentalis

western harvester ant

Common1 obs.

Pecari tajacu

collared peccary

Common1 obs.

Sceloporus magister

Barred Spiny Lizard [transversus]

Occasional1 obs.

Corvus corax

common raven

Occasional1 obs.

Syntrichia ruralis

Sidewalk Screw Moss

Occasional1 obs.

Juniperus scopulorum

red-cedar

Occasional1 obs.

Yucca elata

soaptree yucca

Occasional1 obs.

Nolina microcarpa

bear-grass

Occasional1 obs.

Quercus grisea

gray oak

Rare1 obs.

Cercocarpus montanus

mountain-mahogany

Rare1 obs.

Fallugia paradoxa

apache-plume

Rare1 obs.

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Most Common Species

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Get Your Personalized Field Guide

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

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-22%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 3 nearby locations in Gila County County, Arizona

Nearby Natural Areas

Gila County

Importance: 0.38

100 species

-68% vs. current

Globe

Importance: 0.37

19 species

+68% vs. current

Tonto Basin

Importance: 0.26

3 species

+967% 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 Gila 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

-22%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 3 nearby locations in Gila County County, Arizona

Nearby Natural Areas

Gila County

Importance: 0.38

100 species

-68% vs. current

Globe

Importance: 0.37

19 species

+68% vs. current

Tonto Basin

Importance: 0.26

3 species

+967% 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 4 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common7 species

Common10 species

Occasional9 species

Rare6 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#2 of 4 locations

50th percentile for diversity

vs. Gila County

-68% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 32 total documented species.

Urosaurus ornatus

Tree Lizard

Very Common6 obs.

Verbascum thapsus

Aaron'S-Rod

Very Common3 obs.

Rhus aromatica

Squawbush

Very Common3 obs.

Sceloporus clarkii

Stejneger’s Spiny Lizard

Very Common2 obs.

Arctostaphylos pungens

point-leaf manzanita

Very Common2 obs.

Eriogonum wrightii

bastard-sage

Common2 obs.

Marrubium vulgare

white horehound

Common2 obs.

Sciurus arizonensis

Arizona Gray Squirrel

Common2 obs.

Polyphylla decemlineata

Common1 obs.

Pogonomyrmex occidentalis

western harvester ant

Common1 obs.

Pecari tajacu

collared peccary

Common1 obs.

Sceloporus magister

Barred Spiny Lizard [transversus]

Occasional1 obs.

Corvus corax

common raven

Occasional1 obs.

Syntrichia ruralis

Sidewalk Screw Moss

Occasional1 obs.

Juniperus scopulorum

red-cedar

Occasional1 obs.

Yucca elata

soaptree yucca

Occasional1 obs.

Nolina microcarpa

bear-grass

Occasional1 obs.

Quercus grisea

gray oak

Rare1 obs.

Cercocarpus montanus

mountain-mahogany

Rare1 obs.

Fallugia paradoxa

apache-plume

Rare1 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 32 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.