In addition to its spectacular archaeological resources, the park is naturally significant as one of the few protected areas in the San Juan Basin. It is an island of biodiversity, home to plants and wildlife that have been significantly affected by grazing, mineral extraction, and other land-use activities in the surrounding area.
NPS Photo
Bobcat
The fauna found here includes elk, deer, bobcats, rabbits, badgers, porcupines, bats, snakes, lizards and other amphibians, and diverse bird populations. A number of ecosystems comprise the canyon vegetation, including pinyon-juniper woodlands, riparian with cottonwood and willow, and other numerous scrub and wildflower communities.
NPS Photo by Marshall G. Clayton
Rockfall behind Una Vida
Scientific research in the park is ongoing and often overlaps projects concerning the cultural resources. Studies are as varied as fossil inventories, native plant surveys, annual bird counts, and rock monitoring.
Thomas Lyttle
Menefee Formation, a fossil-rich layer, near Kin Klizhin
Featured Amphibian
If you miss the monsoon season at Chaco, you can still hear the spadefoot toad's call here online. more...
Did You Know? Most of the 184 members of the first Civilian Conservation Corp camp at Chaco came all the way from South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Enrollees complained about the poor food, broken movie projector, and limited nearby recreation, and nine men deserted before the end of their service. more...