Ecology of the Cochise Stronghold
The Dragoon mountains offer an ecological island; meaning the temperature is lower and the precipitation is higher than the surrounding low desert. This leads to populations of plants and animals that are isolated from other populations in the region. This combination of unique factors between mountains and low lands leads to unusually high biological diversity in both plants and animals.
Weather
The Cochise Stronghold experiences more of the Sonoran Desert pattern of winter rainfall, October to February, which typically comes from large storms, moving west to east. Summer rain, July to September, comes most frequently from violent afternoon thunderstorms. The desert is a unique environment that can change very quickly. As soon as the sun sets, temperatures drop quickly, and storms can be severe. Entering unprepared can have unfortunate outcomes. If you have never been outside in the desert, please always carry water, and bring extra clothing to cover up in the winter and from the sun. Here in the desert we have 300+ days of sunshine. Desert sun and long days of exposure bring the risk of sunburn, heat stroke and dehydration. Make sure you have sunscreen, long sleeves, sunglasses and at least 1 L of water per hour.
Plants
Succulent, spines and thorns are common plant adaptations to the semi-arid conditions in southern Arizona. Cactus can be found throughout the Stronghold from the large prickly pear to tiny mounting cactus. Agaves are another prominent succulent that pose a sharp danger to unwary travelers, whether that eye level or shin level, even shrubs, typically have thorns. Carry a pair of tweezers in your pack for inadvertent cactus thorns. Cholla cacti spread spiky balls and are particularly nasty. Do not grab them, but pull them out with two rocks. Wear long pants to avoid cut up ankles and shins as agaves and a bear grass can draw blood
Animals
Rattlesnakes are the most common venomous snake in the area. They start becoming active in April and you may see them on trails, roads and occasionally at the base of walls. They are not aggressive and are best left undisturbed. Most strikes do not result in envenomation, but they can strike up to half their body length away. If you step on one by accident, take two giant steps back and move away from the area. Look carefully before you pick up fallen wood or rocks. If bitten, call 911, stay calm and remove restrictive clothing.
