Desert Animals
MAMMALS:
The Coyote:
[PHYLUM: Chordata, CLASS: Mammalia] Has been roaming the west since before
the settlers. The coyote has a diverse diet, preying mainly on smaller animals,
like; Jack Rabbits, Cottontails Deer, and Ground Squirrels. If needed, the
Coyote can eat almost anything. The Coyote can live from the high mountains,
to the dryest of deserts.
The Trade Rats:
[ PHYLUM: Chordata, CLASS: Mammalia] They are also known as pack rats. They
are one of the smaller of the desert animals Unlike thier European ancesters
they are very clean animals.They only live in the United States. There are
many desert,and semi-desert species. What is interesting about these animals,
is that they like to carry off little objects like, silverware , false teeth
and eye glasses, all which they get from camp sites.
The Prarie Dogs
[PHYLUM: Chordata, CLASS: Mammalia] The prarie dog is not really a desert
animal. They live around real arid areas so they are considered desert animals.
Prapie Dogs live in in hole that some times serve as a home for thousands
of dogs. They don't benefit from each other being there.
Ground Squirrels
[PHYLUM: Chordata,CLASS: Mammalia] The ground squirrel live mainly in the
western U.S., in the Mojave desert. They do not live directly in the desert,
but in the surrounding areas. The ground squirrel lives in an underground
burrow, and is not a very sociable animal.
AVES:
The Roadrunner:
[PHYLUM: Chordata, CLASS: Aves] Roadrunners are in a category with, Penguins,
Flamengos, and Ostriches. The Roadrunner can fly for distances of only about
15 feet. The Roadrunner eats small reptiles, and insects. There are stories
of battles between Roadrunners, and Rattlesnakes. The Roadrunner can, and
will kill a Rattlesnake if needed.
The Elf Owl:
[PHYLUM: Chordata, CLASS: Aves] The Elf Owl is one of the smallest owls
currently in existence. It lives in hollowed out cactus trunks, where it
is protected from most predators. The Elf Owl is a nocturnal hunter/scavenger,
that eats mostly insects.
AMPHIBIANS:
Giant Desert Toad:
[PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Mammalia] The problem for this toad is the heat
and dryness. They stay in shelter during the day, and only come out when
it is cool and relatively damp. Their tadpoles have adapted to the shortage
of water in the desert.Since the pools that form only in the rainy season
last only a few weeks, the tad pole develops very quickly,and when they
are very small.
Desert SpadeFoot Toad:
[PHYLUM:, Chordata, CLASS:, Amphibia] The Desert spadefoot toad is protected
from the sun, as it finds a shady place to sit.They only come out in moist
weather, when the sun is not shining . Their tadpoles develop quickly, as
the water from rain evaporates after a few weeks.
Reptilia:
The Gila Monster:
[PHYLUM: Chordata, CLASS: Reptilia] The gila monster is the largest lizard
in the United states, some reach up to 2 feet long. The gila monster is
also the only poisonous lizard in the United states. It has a close relative
in Mexico that is the only other poisonous lizard in the world. The Gila
Monster has many different colors.
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