Animals

A Squirrel and Gila Monster stand on the ground looking at each other.
Tonto National Monument is home to over 230 species of animals.

NPS Photo/ E. Schreiner

 

Although Tonto National Monument was established to preserve the cliff dwellings, it also protects a great diversity of plants and animals. The Monument covers less than two square miles in area, but is home to at least 160 species of birds, 6 species of amphibians, 32 species of reptiles, 40 species of mammals, and countless species of insects including bees.

The Monument's great diversity can be explained in part by its location on the edge of two very different landforms: the Superstition Mountains to the southwest, and the Salt River and Tonto Creek valley to the north and east. Between the valley and mountains lies a bajada of eroded sediments, bisected by dry washes. As the bajada slopes north towards the river (now Roosevelt Lake), conditions become drier and warmer, and the vegetation is more desert-like. Not surprisingly, the short distance from the mountains to the valley brings many changes in wildlife.

Another feature of great significance to animals is Cave Creek Canyon, which runs below the Upper Cliff Dwelling, through the Visitor Center area, and north to Roosevelt Lake. North of the Visitor Center, Cave Creek Canyon is dry for most of the year. To the south, however, it contains a perennial spring and tall trees, including Arizona walnuts and sycamores. This small shaded riparian area is visited by many species of wildlife, and was no doubt heavily used by the Salado, who built their dwellings overlooking the spring.

Last updated: December 26, 2020

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