Research and Conservation in Southern Sonora, Mexico
Tropical Riparian Gallery
Riparian vegetation in the tropics is nearly or completely evergreen., while in this March scene the surrounding tropical deciduous forest will be leafless until the rains come in July. Río Cuchujaqui at the Güirocoba crossing. Photo: T.R. Van Devender |
Willows and a tepeguaje (Lysiloma watsonii), light green) have foliage in March on the Río Guajaray, Sonora. Photo: Mark Dimmitt |
Sabinos/Mexican bald cypress (Taxodium distichum mexicanum) and spider lilies (Hymenocallis sonorensis) on the Río Cuchujaqui, Sonora. Photo: Mark Dimmitt |
Sabino grove at El Cajón on the Río Cuchujaqui, Sonora. Photo: Mark Dimmitt |
Sabinos on the Río Cuchujaqui above Sabinito Sur, Sonora. Photo: Mark Dimmitt |
Xeric tropical deciduous forest vegetation grows just beyond the high water zone of the Río Cuchujaqui, Sonora. Photo: Mark Dimmitt |
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Above 4 images: A tributary of the Río Cuchujaqui near Alamos, Sonora. Beneath the dense canopies of the large fig trees the microenvironment is cooler and more humid than on the drier, more open slopes. Photos: Mark Dimmitt |
Canyon on the Río Cuchujaqui northeast of Alamos, Sonora. It's September, the rainy season is ending, and some forest trees are turning yellow. Photo: T.R. Van Devender |
Ground view of scene at left. The steep, narrow canyon is subject to frequent scouring by floods, so there are few large riparian trees here. Photo: Mark Dimmitt |
Above and right: Two views of a canyon on the Río Cuchujaqui northeast of Alamos, Sonora. Photo: T.R. Van Devender |
Photo: Mark Dimmitt |
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Above two images: Perched water tables can support riparian vegetation on steep slopes. Sierra de Alamos from Rancho San José, Sonora. The brown zone in the left image is oak woodland with tropical deciduous forest below it. Photos: Mark Dimmitt |
An old suspension bridge over the Río Maycoba at the MEX 16 crossing, Sonora. Photo: G.M. Ferguson |
Río Yaqui near Tónichi, Sonora flowing through Foothills Thornscrub with organ pipe cactus/pitahaya (Stenocereus thurberi) and tree ocotillo (Fouquieria macdougali)i. Photo: T.R. Van Devender |