Animals

A diversity of ecosystems, from deserts, to prairies, to shrublands and mountain forests support an even greater diversity of animal life in the American Southwest. However, the distribution of vertebrate species in this arid land is limited by water availability and water-related vegetation diversity. Especially important are the riparian corridors, which provide vital migratory and breeding habitat for birds. More than 400 species of birds can be found in the region. Habitat degradation is responsible for the region-wide decline of several rare and listed species, including the burrowing owl, black-tailed prairie dog, mountain plover, Texas horned lizard, lesser prairie chicken, Arkansas darter and swift fox. Ungulates, once hunted to low numbers or near extinction, have made a comeback in mountain forests. Reptiles are abundant in desert and grassland areas.

Browse Stories

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  Birds

  Birds are an important and lively component of many ecosystems in the American Southwest

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  Mammals

  The American Southwest region probably has the greatest diversity of mammal species in the country

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  Reptiles & Amphibians

  Reptiles and amphibians represent an important part of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in the American Southwest

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  Invertebrates & Microorganisms

  Invertebrates and microorganisms in the Southwestern US are highly diverse and perform important functions like pollination