Arizona Desert Animals

The Sonoran Desert spans across the United States and Mexico, covering parts of Arizona and California in the United States and Sonora and Baja California in Mexico. This arid region, covering an area of 120,000 square miles is the largest as well as the hottest desert in North America. Even though temperatures as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit have been reported in these parts, some organisms have modified themselves according to the requirements of nature and adapted to this extreme environment.

Mexican Gray Wolf
The Mexican gray wolf, the smallest sub-species of the Gray wolf, is native to Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts in North America. Its scientific name is Canis lupus baileyi. Approximately 1.5 m in length and 31 inches tall, this animal weighs about 60 to 80 lbs. It mainly feeds on small animals like squirrels and mice. Sometimes large animals, like deer, are attacked for food, but mainly the young ones. During food scarcity this desert animal also sustains on carrion. Once found in abundance, the Mexican gray wolf species went through a phase of excessive eradication from the beginning of the 20th century, after being considered a nuisance by farmers who wanted to protect their domestic livestock from this animal. In 1976 the Mexican gray wolf was declared an endangered species . By the end of the 20th century, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) began reintroducing this animal in Arizona. A survey by officials in 2006-07 estimated that around 60 wolves inhabited this area.

The Mountain Lion
The mountain lion, also known as puma or cougar, is a member of the felidae family, found in America. Its scientific name is Puma concolor. It is 2.4 m in length and 2 ft tall and weighs around 120 to 160 lbs. The wide variety of prey the cougar hunts ranges from rodents and rabbits to cattle and deer. This solitary animal can travel miles in search of food. The mountain lion has adapted itself well to the environment of the Sonoran Desert. Being nocturnal, it only hunts during the night, while during the heat of the day it takes shelter in caves and crevices in the mountains. The stalk and ambush hunting technique is an apt method for hunting in this region, with the mountain lion pouncing on its prey from elevated points. As far as conservation is concerned, it is the least vulnerable species according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).

The Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl is a species of owl found in North America. Its scientific name is Bubo virginianus. It is approximately 18 to 27 inches tall, and has a wing span of 40 to 60 inches. The female species are larger than the males. The Great Horned Owl can weigh up to 3 lbs. Its life expectancy ranges from 5 to 15 years. These birds have an astounding digestive system, which allows them to swallow the whole prey and disgorge the bones or other unwanted parts in form of pellets. These nocturnal birds have a powerful eyesight. They swoop down on the prey and lift it up with their powerful claws. They have the capacity to lift animals which are heavier than themselves. The Great Horned Owl is carnivorous in nature, and feeds on rabbits, raccoons, squirrels and even other owls. Found in abundance, this bird is listed as least vulnerable species by IUCN.

The American Golden Eagle
The American Golden Eagle, found in the Arizona Desert, is a bird belonging to the accipitridae family. Its scientific name is Aquila chrysaetos canadensis. It can grow to a length of 3 ft, weighs around 9 to 12 lbs, and has a wingspan of 7 ft. This large pair of wings helps the bird to soar in the vast skies of the arid region. These birds build their nests in the crevices of high cliffs, so that they can keep a watch on them while they maneuver in the sky. They defend their territory from intruders by swooping down on them to attack and make them flee. They use the rising mass of warm air in the desert to soar in the sky. When a bird notices a prey on the ground, it just tucks its wings in and swoops on the prey at a tremendous speed of 200 mph. The American Golden Eagle feeds on prairie dogs, cottontail rabbits, reptiles and even small birds flying in the sky. At times, it has been seen feeding on carrion as well.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is a venomous species of the Diamondback Rattlesnakes native to the United States and Mexico. Its scientific name is Crotalus atrox. It is also known as the Arizona diamond rattlesnake or desert diamondback. The Western Diamondback is responsible for the majority of snake bite deaths in Mexico every year. On an average, it can grow up to 4 ft in length, though snakes measuring upto 5 ft have also been reported. It is generally grayish brown in color and has around 20 to 25 irregular spots on its dusty body. It is an ambush predator, which hunts at dawn or during the night. It hides in the sand and waits for the prey to walk into its range, and when it comes within reach, it pounces on the prey and injects its deadly venom to kill it. The western diamondback feeds on prairie dogs, kangaroos, rats, whiptail lizard, Texas banded gecko, birds as well as smaller snakes.

Its astounding to see that life exists in such extreme weather conditions. These Arizona Desert animals have adapted themselves to sustain in this harsh environment.