The grasslands of the western Gulf of Mexico occur in northwestern Mexico and the southern U.S. and extend in a coastal band along the western Gulf, including many near-shore islands. This tall grass coastal prairie has a distinctly temperate climate moderated by the Gulf of Mexico. With rainfall levels of less than 12 inches (300 cm) per year, the plant species that grow here are predominatly tall bunchgrass and prairie. Species include seacoast bluestem, eastern gamagrass, Gulf muhly, Gulf cordgrass, sedges, rush, and saltgrasses. Occasional shrublands consist of mesquite, huisache, lime prickly ash, and Texas persimmon. This habitat is home to bobcats and colorful, blue spring lizards.
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