One of the priorities of Buenos Aires NWR is to reestablish a breeding population of masked bobwhite quail, an endangered bird that was once abundant in this area. Changes in the ecosystem caused the population of masked bobwhite to drop, bringing it dangerously close to extinction.

When Buenos Aires Ranch went up for sale in 1985, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service purchased it to preserve habitat for masked bobwhite and other wildlife for future generations. Refuge biologists do work with ranchers in Mexico to restore the grasslands where the last wild birds are found. It will take a caring partnership of public and private interests to restore this native grassland ecosystem and the masked bobwhite quail.

Another tool used to restore native grassland is controlled burning, which helps slow mesquite invasion and revitalize the soil. As the system recovers, the grasses, shrubs, flowers, insects, and animals of the Sonoran grassland will benefit.

Additions to the refuge since 1985 protect valuable wetland and riparian habitats at Arivaca Creek, Arivaca Cienega, and Brown Canyon. This combination of grasslands, wetlands, cottonwood-lined streambeds, and sycamore and live oak mountain canyons preserves some of the southwest?s rarest habitats for seven endangered species, ten species of concern, and many other native plants and wildlife.

Over 320 species of birds have been recorded at Buenos Aires NWR. Pronghorn, mule deer, coyote, and javelina are some of the mammals frequently seen along refuge roads. Mountain lion, coatimundi, ring-tailed cats, and badger are present, but more secretive. Desert tortoise and gila monsters thrive a short distance from water-dependent amphibians, and a myriad of cactus grow within a stone?s throw of watercress. In addition to the masked bobwhite quail, Buenos Aires NWR protects habitat for six other endangered species (cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl, Pima pineapple cactus, Kearney bluestar, peregrine falcon, southwest willow flycatcher, and razorback sucker).