Colorado Life Zones Info

Riparian life zones are found all over the state in all different elevations.  Riparian life zones are by large streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes.

Some common trees that live there are cottonwoods, willows, aspens, and pine trees.  Lots of small plants, grasses, mosses, and algae grow there too. Riparian life zones are usually pretty green and thick with plant life because of the water.

Some plants were brought into Colorado by people and have become problem plants by rivers and lakes, like tamarisk and russian olive trees.  They are killing all the native plants, plants that have been here a long time before humans came and that animals depend upon for hiding and food.

Animals that live there have adapted by being able to walk on land and swim well (river otter), holding their breath under water a long time (turtles), grew long legs to stand above the water and fish (cranes), float on the water (ducks), or live underwater (fish)

Desert (Southwest CO)

Plains

Foothills Life Zone

Montane Life Zone

Subalpine Life Zone

Alpine Life Zone

Mink

Moose