The plants, animals and insects on Black Mountain are uniquely adapted to the Sonoran Desert and are dependent upon one another to survive. The slightest upset in the balance of nature can have wide-reaching effects on the lives of these critters. To preserve their interdependence, large expanses of open space are needed.
The following guide provides information about just a few of the many types of critters that live in the Desert Foothills. The critters were selected by Jane Rau, a veteran naturalist, desert preservationist and founder of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.
You might want to bring this list with you when you visit the Scenic Drive or Black Mountain. When you walk in the open desert you'll be sure to see some of these creatures, especially the cactus wren, Gambel's quail, white-winged dove, and diamondback rattlesnake (just kidding).
JANE'S CRITTER LIST
| |
Anna's Hummingbird. A spectacular flyer that can beat its wings up to 200 times per second and reach speeds up to 60 miles per hour.
Antelope Jackrabbit. A secretive animal that screens itself in every possible way from the gaze of enemies.
Cactus Wren. Arizona's state bird and the largest wren in North America.
Coyote. This singing wild canine runs in packs, and survives on berries, insects and small mammals.
Desert Tortoise. A strict vegetarian that digs burrows into hillsides and under rocks, often by taking advantage of the initial excavations of other animals.
Diamondback Rattlesnake. Young rattlers receive no parental care but are fully equipped with fangs and venom to fend for themselves.
Gambel's Quail. Unique with its teardrop topknot, this chicken-like bird prefers scurrying along the ground to flying.
Giant Horned Owl. Has large ear tufts on an 18"-25" body; eats birds and medium-sized animals, even domestics.
Gila Monster. This elusive venomous lizard with a bulldog-like bite is a living fossil honored by primitive man and protected by Arizona law.
Gila Woodpecker. Nests in holes in saguaros or in mesquite trees; has black and white checkered wings.
Harris Ground Squirrel. This playful, noisy rodent runs with tail aloft and can hold more than 40 mesquite beans in its cheek pouches.
Harris Hawk. Unique in that they nest and hunt in a group (one female and two or more males). The group shares a territory.
Javelina. Lives in herds of up to 20. Nearly blind, they use their keen sense of smell to "see you."
Mule Deer. Distinguished by large mule-sized ears, it summers in mountain regions and winters in warmer climates.
Pack Rat. A large, soft-furred rodent that hoards food and miscellaneous objects.
Roadrunner. A cuckoo that can run 10-15 mph; eats anything from insects to toads and mice.
Scorpion. Once experienced, you will not forget this Arachnid's toxic sting, but it is seldom life-threatening.
Sonoran Desert Toad. Summer rains trigger their emergence from underground burrows. They congregate at temporary pools of rain water for cacophonic breeding sessions.
Spiny Lizard. A good climber who also likes rodent dens.
Tarantula. A large, shy, nocturnal, hairy, non-poisonous spider that eats insects.
Turkey Vulture. Uses it large (26"-32" body, 6' wingspan) to glide in large circles, scanning for carrion. Not served as a meal on Thanksgiving Day.
White-winged Dove. This pigeon-sized bird makes a harsh cooing sound reminiscent of a crowing rooster. |
|
|
