Ecology is described as the scientific study of distributions of organisms, their relationship, and interactions with their environment. Ecology of the El Malpais can be described in terms of its dominant species, climate and the important structuring elements in the ecosystem. The ecologically dominant animal species in this ecosystem are the mammals which are comprised of the black bears, cougars, and elks whereas the most ecologically dominant plant species is the Oak tree. These species form the largest biomass in the ecosystem. In terms of climatic conditions of the conservation area, dynamic changes occur over seasons. Seasonal climatic conditions are evident in this area. During the months of March to May, spring conditions are characterized by dry and windy atmospheric conditions. In the Month of June to mid of July, hot summer conditions occur. During summer monsoon (Mid July- September), temperatures are usually milder and stormy are very dominant. During the month of October to Early December, days are sunny while nights have freezing temperatures. Finally, at late December to February, winter conditions prevail. Night temperatures lower to up to -20 degrees Celsius.
Its ecosystem is comprised of important structuring elements such as grazing activities and vegetation fires. Grazing activities by pastoralists from the surrounding areas are influenced by vegetation fires in several ways. Some of the grasses in the conservation areas are able to thrive in fire and grazing. Grazing practices are managed by the Bureau of Land Management so that nature conservation is promoted. Some vegetation is adapted to fire and therefore fire is used in the maintenance of its productivity.
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Management Practices being implemented at El Malpais National Conservation Area and their Conservation Goals.
Several management programs being implemented in order to conserve this ecosystem. First, public information and education is the major conservation practice being enhanced by the Bureau of Land Management. The El Malpais legislation strongly emphasizes public information and education as an imperative factor in managing the National Conservation Area. By educating the public about the importance of conserving the natural ecosystems through the media and brochures, vandalism is reduced as the public is able to enjoy the resources. Secondly, the Bureau of land management identifies sites and areas that are vulnerable to natural deterioration. The most common cause of natural deterioration is soil erosion. As a result, the bureau erects measures such as setting of gabions, afforestation, and reforestation so as to prevent soil from being eroded. Furthermore, research on the endangered species in the conservation area and creation of measures that protect those species from extinction is carried out. Legislation that emphasizes the consequences of interfering with these species is established. As a result, the endangered species such as the Anasazi remains are conserved.
Stakeholders of the El Malpais National Conservation Area, their Interests and how they may Shape its Use or Management
There are two management bodies that monitor the conservation activities of the conservation area. These are the United States National Park Service and United States Bureau of Land Management. The interests of the National Park Service are in protecting, conserving and interpreting the El Malpais monument. The Bureau of Land Management is concerned with the protection and management of the adjacent of the area. The interests and concerns of these two stakeholders may influence the use and management of this monument. In the first place, the National Park Service may enhance agency practices in the preservation of the historical and ecological integrity of the ecosystem. In promoting its use, it may make the accessibility of ecological and natural resources for public use and enjoyment possible. On the other hand, the Bureau of Land Management may enhance its management practices by regarding the conservation area as part of the millions of land acres that it manages. This should be done in line with the legislation provided by the United States Department of the interior.
