An isolated habitat
Fish in the desert? It seems impossible but not in the ci茅nega habitat. Ci茅nega is a Spanish word derived from its literal translation 鈥渉undred waters鈥 or 鈥渃ien aguas鈥. These isolated, spring-fed wetland oases support in the middle of otherwise dry landscapes. The types of vegetation that can grow in a ci茅nega are limited and unique due to constantly saturated soil and evaporation that leads to salty conditions. These plants slow waterflow from flood waters and in the surrounding areas. , an endangered species of minnow, can be found in these habitats. Living in the desert requires adaptations to harsh conditions. Desert pupfish have been known to withstand conditions like low oxygen levels, high salinity levels and extreme high temperatures allowing them to live in habitats like ci茅negas. Ci茅negas also support several bird species year-round, in the winter or during migration. When migrating through arid regions, these wetlands serve as a pitstop for many birds in search of food and water.
Experience the ci茅nega
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona is home to Arivaca Ci茅nega and its diverse wildlife. The ci茅nega supports fish and a variety of birds like wintering geese, resident gallinules and migrating sandpipers. At the refuge, the Arivaca Ci茅nega Trail offers a boardwalk for an up-close experience with the rare wetland. Also in Arizona is San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge, which contains a ci茅nega that was once the largest wetland in northwest Mexico. Wildlife relies on this ci茅nega as a stopover when migrating between Mexico鈥檚 Sierra Madre Occidental and the Rocky Mountains.
History and conservation
Historically, ci茅negas were an important resource for travelers and Native Americans but today, few ci茅negas remain due to human consumption and changes in the climate. Conservation and preservation of these wetlands is crucial to the biodiversity that they support. San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1972. The restoration process began with the removal of cattle and undesirable plants. Because this habitat is unlike any other, little was known about how to approach restoration. Starting in 1984, , wire baskets filled with rocks that function as dams, were built with the purpose of increasing vegetation and in turn, wildlife populations. Data collected over a 12-year period shows an increase in plant cover and species. The results support that long-term restoration is possible for the rare and important ci茅nega habitat.
Today, ci茅negas continue to provide habitat for unique plants and wildlife. Restoration and preservation efforts are ongoing to ensure the health and longevity of these desert oases.