Signs of Life

Wildlife in the Desert

Saguaro National Park is a unique area with a wide diversity of plant and animal species. Biotic communities, or life zones, range from low desert scrub at 2,500 feet to a mixed conifer forest at nearly 8,700 feet in elevation. The heart of the cactus forest is on the desert floor—there, you will see an incredible assortment of plant life. However, while birds and insects are readily seen, sightings of other animals are not as common. Wild animals are shy little guys and do their best to avoid people. Many desert animals are crepuscular or nocturnal and spend the daytime in burrows to escape predators and extreme temperatures. Even from a short distance, most desert wildlife is well camouflaged and can be tricky to spot.

 

Hunting for Hints

Although you may not actually see wildlife along the trail, there are many signs you can look for that indicate animals have been in the area such as nests, droppings, gnawings, rubbings, scratchings or burrows. While some of these signs are quite obvious, you may have to look carefully to find others. Click on the panels below to learn about the signs of life. 

Prickly Pear Cactus

Prickly pear cactus are eaten by many desert animals because of the high moisture content. If you find small bites on the edges of the pads, that is most likely the work of packrats or other rodents gnawing on the cactus. However, if the pads are shredded or look like a decently sized chomp has been taken out, that is most likely the work of a javelina (these crazy peccaries can digest spines!). Insects will leave hints that they have been there, too. Small holes within the pads may indicate the presence of the long-horned beetle. 

Packrat Nests

Packrats will make their shelters, or middens, by collecting and piling branches and cactus joints. They tend to make their middens underneath patches of prickly pear (because why not? The home is already halfway built). These large, common desert rodents are most active at night. 

Bird Nests

The saguaro cactus is a common nesting site for the Gila woodpecker and the gilded flicker. However, when those woodpeckers move out, their home is left for other cavity-nesting birds to move in! Look for holes in the main stem or the arms. During the summer months, these nests are often inhabited by elf owls. In mesquite trees, palo verde trees and cholla cactus, cactus wren nests can be found made of straw, and curve-billed thrasher nests can be found made of twigs. 

Scat

Many animals can be identified by studying their droppings (scat)—some of which can be found along park trails. Small, round pellets may indicate a rabbit or jackrabbit. Slightly larger pellets may indicate a deer. Scat with both plant and animal remains is likely from a coyote. Medium to large droppings shaped like a tootsie roll are indicative of the cat family and may be either bobcat or montain lion. 

Burrows

A large number of desert animals make their homes underground including spiders, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, snakes and insects. Underground homes are a great way to beat the heat of summer or to safely spend a winter hibernating. Some of the most conspicuous holes are from tarantulas! Look for vertical, quarter-sized holes with strands of spider's silk around the edges. Another easily spotted sign of a critter is the work of a banner-tailed kangaroo rat. Their burrows often have large mounds of soil over their extensive system of underground passageways. 

 

 

Coyote

The coyote is a commonly seen mammal in the park, and it frequently leaves scat on trails and roads. Coyotes use scat and urine as a way of marking their territories. Their diet primarily consists of rodents, insects and plant parts (such as seeds and fruits).

 

Javelina

The javelina is a fairly common desert animal, which travels in herds of 2 to 30 animals. While they may resemble a wild pig, javelinas are members of the peccary family. The fruit and pads of the prickly pear make up much of the javelina's diet.

 

Roadrunner

While this desert bird can fly, it usually prefers to run and can reach a top speed of 18 miles per hour. It has a long tail, a streaked appearance and a shaggy crest. The roadrunner feeds primarily on insects, lizards, rodents and snakes (including rattlesnakes!).

 

Gambel's Quail

Gambel's Quail are one of the easiest desert birds to identify. Look for its large topknot of feathers protruding from the heads of both male and female quail. In the fall, large coveys can be seen feeding on seeds, especially from grasses.

 

Desert Spiny Lizard

Many species of lizards live in the Sonoran Desert. Some of the most common in the park include the zebra-tailed, whiptail and desert spiny (pictured).