The MAB Program United States of America
Biosphere Reserve Information - General Description
Big Bend
General Description
Big Bend Biosphere Reserve
and National Park, situated in the big bend of the Rio Grande in western Texas,
represents one of three biosphere reserves in the Chihuahuan Desert (among
Jornada Biosphere Reserve in USA and Mapimí Biosphere Reserve in Mexico). The
vegetation zones in Big Bend are mainly determined by elevation (533 – 2,388
meters above sea level), comprising mainly shrub deserts and grasslands as well
as some woodlands and riverine vegetation.
All three biosphere reserves are located in areas traditionally dominated by a
livestock raising economy. Today, they face a variety of resource management
issues relating to sustainable development in desert ecosystems. Problems are
associated with grazing of livestock, air pollution, and water quality, poaching
of plants and animals, and loss of habitats.
The Big Bend Biosphere Reserve is largely a protected core area managed for
conservation, public education, and recreation use. One of the major programs in
the Big Bend Biosphere Reserve is maintaining the area’s remarkable
biodiversity, exemplified by some 58 endangered, threatened, and listed species
and the occurrence of over 430 species of birds. A growing tourism industry is
developing around Big Bend National Park.
In nominating three biosphere reserves in the Chihuahuan Desert it was expected
that cooperation would develop the knowledge and skills needed to manage the
ecosystems of the Chihuahuan Desert for conservation and sustainable economic
uses. Today, mainly research and environmental education projects characterize
this cooperation.
Last updated: 06/27/2005