Information on Desert Animals & Plants

Information on desert plants and animals

The desert holds a place in the world as one of the most grueling terrains in existence. Although it can be a very void place, the desert has no shortage of plants and animals---they are simply better adapted to the environment. Animals and plants range from large camels that have been utilized for transportation for centuries to trees that have learned to survive on very little water.

Bilby

The bilby---or the rabbit-eared bandicoot---of the deserts of Australia is considered to be an endangered species since they are preyed upon by animals and people alike. All species being nocturnal, they go underground during the day and ferret food at night. Insects, snails and mice, as well as fruit and underground bulbs serve as food for these little marsupials.

Dromedary

The dromedary, more popularly known as the Arabian camel, can be found in the Middle East, Africa, as well as, India and Pakistan. Amazingly, these single hump-backed animals store fats in their humps---making them go for 3 to 4 days with no water and food. Their diet includes grass, dates, oats and wheat.

Desert Iguana

First discovered in 1853, the desert iguana is mostly seen in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts of Southern California. Just like the bilby, this animal stays in burrows, especially besides cactus plants. Although considered a vegetarian since its favorite meal is the flowers of the creosote bush, it also feeds on smaller insects, which include ants and beetles.

Sidewinder Snake

Aptly named so because of the "side winding" action that it does when it crawls; the sidewinder snake inhabits the deserts of Africa, the Middle East and North America. Upon closer examination of the tracks they leave behind, people notice that they resemble the letter J, where the end of the "letter" shows the direction the snake is heading.

Desert Tortoise

The desert tortoise is able to adapt to the extreme temperature of the desert through its large urinary bladder. Whenever it finds water, it works like a sponge, storing enough water to equal over 40 percent of its body weight. Because of this amazing ability, it can go without water for months. Adults are known to go without water for nearly one year. Major food sources include fruits, herbs and wildflowers.

Creosote Bush

The Creosote bush has been able to adapt to the intense heat of the Mojave desert through altering its physical structure making it a xerophyte. Having green leaves, which prevents water loss through its resin coating, and yellow flowers, this plant has a distinctly pleasantly smelling odor.

Mesquite Tree

This shrub commonly found in the Mojave and Sonoran desert survives by drawing water through its extremely long roots--growing as long as 80 feet. This phreatophyte plant is also well-known for its sweetness. It typically is made into a syrup and tea.

References

• National Geographic: Arabian (Dromedary) Camel
• Desert USA: Desert Iguana
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Horn Viper