Animals

Curecanti is a home for wildlife—from the canyon rim to reservoir, and shrubland to riparian corridors. 273 bird species, 62 mammal species, 21 native and nonnative fish species, 6 reptile species, and 2 amphibian species have been reported here. Some are permanent residents, while others migrate elsewhere in winter.

All national parks protect the resources within it, including wildlife. Help the park care and protect for these animals by recreating responsibly when camping, boating, fishing, hiking, or watching wildlife.

Three bighorn sheep rams with brown coats stand on a rocky slope with plants.

Mammals

More than 60 species of mammals, from rodents to ungulates, exist in and around Curecanti.

A black and white bird with a long black tail stands on a grey and pink colored rock.

Birds

From raptors to songbirds, Curecanti is home to 275 reported bird species.

A small brown and black snake is curled up amongst rocks and dead grasses.

Reptiles & Amphibians

A small, diverse group of reptiles and amphibian species are present in the park.

Fish

Trout, salmon and perch can be found in the waters of Curecanti.

Wildlife Stories and Research

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Sage Grouse and Climate Change at Curecanti
The Gunnison Sage Grouse was officially recognized as a distinct species in 2000, when scientists determined that they are distinct from Greater Sage Grouse. By 2000, the Gunnison Sage Grouse were already in peril, threatened by habitat loss and climate change. Researchers estimate that in 2019, the Gunnison Sage Grouse occupied only 10% of its historic range. Today, fewer than 5,000 birds remain.
Landbird Population Trends in the Northern Colorado Plateau Network, 2021
- Sites: Inventory and Monitoring Division, Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate, Northern Colorado Plateau Inventory & Monitoring Network, Arches National Park, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, more »
Because birds can be sensitive to habitat change, they are good indicators of ecosystem integrity. The Northern Colorado Plateau Network partners with the University of Delaware to assess breeding-bird species trends in three different habitats: low-elevation riparian, pinyon-juniper, and sage shrubland. Find out which species were increasing and declining at network parks as of 2021.
Landbird Population Trends in the Northern Colorado Plateau Network, 2022
- Sites: Inventory and Monitoring Division, Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate, Northern Colorado Plateau Inventory & Monitoring Network, Arches National Park, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, more »
Because birds can be sensitive to habitat change, they are good indicators of ecosystem integrity. The Northern Colorado Plateau Network partners with the University of Delaware to assess breeding-bird species trends in three different habitats: low-elevation riparian, pinyon-juniper, and sage shrubland. Find out which species were increasing and declining at network parks as of 2022.
Landbird Population Trends in the Northern Colorado Plateau Network, 2023
- Sites: Inventory and Monitoring Division, Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Directorate, Northern Colorado Plateau Inventory & Monitoring Network, Arches National Park, Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, more »
Because birds can be sensitive to habitat change, they are good indicators of ecosystem integrity. The Northern Colorado Plateau Network partners with the University of Delaware to assess breeding-bird species trends in three different habitats: low-elevation riparian, pinyon-juniper, and sage shrubland. Find out which species were increasing and declining at network parks as of 2023.