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Prospect Lake

Ecosystem Overview

The Prospect Lake ecosystem supports 58 documented wildlife species across 46 taxonomic genera. Located in el paso county, colorado, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 12 frequently observed species and 11 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. Compared to nearby Air Force Academy, Prospect Lake hosts 123% more species diversity. This location ranks #5 for species diversity among 15 el paso county County natural areas, placing it in the 67th percentile for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

58
Total Species
Documented wildlife species
46
Genus Diversity
Taxonomic genera represented
30
Common Species
Frequently observed species
28
Rare Species
Occasionally documented species
#5
Regional Rank
Out of 15 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common12 species
Common18 species
Occasional17 species
Rare11 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking
#5 of 15 locations
67th percentile for diversity
vs. Air Force Academy
+123% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 58 total documented species.

Larus californicus

Larus californicus

California Gull

Very Common6 obs.
Ardea herodias

Ardea herodias

Great Blue Heron

Very Common5 obs.
Larus delawarensis

Larus delawarensis

Ring-billed Gull

Very Common5 obs.
Sayornis saya

Sayornis saya

Say's phoebe

Very Common4 obs.
Anas platyrhynchos

Anas platyrhynchos

mallard

Very Common4 obs.
Bucephala clangula

Bucephala clangula

common goldeneye

Common3 obs.
Branta hutchinsii

Branta hutchinsii

hutchins’s canada goose

Common3 obs.
Podiceps nigricollis

Podiceps nigricollis

black-necked grebe

Common3 obs.
Hirundo rustica

Hirundo rustica

barn swallow

Common3 obs.
Aechmophorus occidentalis

Aechmophorus occidentalis

Western Grebe

Common2 obs.
Cathartes aura

Cathartes aura

Turkey Vulture

Common2 obs.
Actitis macularius

Actitis macularius

spotted sandpiper

Occasional2 obs.
Oxyura jamaicensis

Oxyura jamaicensis

Ruddy Duck

Occasional2 obs.
Podilymbus podiceps

Podilymbus podiceps

Pied-billed grebe

Occasional2 obs.
Mareca americana

Mareca americana

American Wigeon

Occasional2 obs.
Quiscalus quiscula

Quiscalus quiscula

Common Grackle

Occasional2 obs.
Corvus brachyrhynchos

Corvus brachyrhynchos

American Crow

Occasional2 obs.
Aythya collaris

Aythya collaris

Ring-necked Duck

Rare2 obs.
Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Bald Eagle

Rare2 obs.
Arphia conspersa

Arphia conspersa

Speckle-winged Rangeland Grasshopper

Rare2 obs.

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No comparable locations found in this region.

Nearby Wildlife Areas in El Paso County

Discover 8 other wildlife-rich locations near Prospect Lake. Each offers unique biodiversity and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Regional Wildlife Network

These nearby locations complement Prospect Lakewithin El Paso County's wildlife network. Species counts reflect documented observations and help identify the most biodiverse areas for your nature explorations.

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