Great Southwest

Deserts are not deserted by wildlife. They are places of little rain and much sun, and are home to a surprising variety of plants and animals. In order to survive the extremes of the desert climate, life forms have developed unique adaptations for conserving water and avoiding the intense heat.

Showing 16 – 20 of 23 Results

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Ringtail Bassariscus astutus Biome: Great Southwest Classification: Mammals Biography: Ringtails are relatives of the raccoon and inhabit desert canyons, especially areas with rocky outcrops, caves and mine shafts. Strictly nocturnal, ringtails use their large eyes and keen sense of smell to locate food, including rodents, birds, invertebrates, and plant... More >

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Roadrunner Geococcyx californianus Biome: Great Southwest Classification: Birds Biography: Roadrunners are long, slender birds with long expressive tails, shaggy crests and strong legs for running. These birds are known for their swift and characteristic style of running (up to 15 mph for short distances). They seldom fly and are primarily a ground bird. In the... More >

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Sidewinder Rattlesnake Crotalus cerastes Biome: Great Southwest Classification: Reptiles Biography: The poisonous sidewinder is sometimes called the "horned rattlesnake" because of the projections over each eye that probably give it some protection from blowing sand. These snakes move in a sidewise looping motion with only two points touching the sand at any one time.... More >

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Swift Fox Vulpes velox Biome: Great Southwest Classification: Mammals Biography: Speedy yet sly! The swift fox weighs less then 8 pounds, but can run more than 37 miles per hour! While it relies on stealth and surprise to hunt prey, its speed enables it to catch jackrabbits. In addition to rabbits, they will eat anything available, from rodents and... More >

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Tarantula Aphonopelma chalcodes Biome: Great Southwest Classification: Invertebrates Biography: While the tarantula is a fearsome looking spider and it can inflict a painful bite, the bite of our North American species is not really dangerous. Tarantulas can go for a long period of time without food and water - a useful ability during desert droughts. Large beetles... More >

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Showing 16 – 20 of 23 Results

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