DESERT ANIMALS

By Josie  January 17th, 2023

Pt. 2

What is a desert?

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Areas where there's a yearly rainfall of 10 inches is considered a desert.

There's a wide variety of different deserts.

In fact, not all deserts are hot (even Antarctica can be considered a kind of desert)

Let's take a look at some of these creatures and their amazing adaptations!

Creatures all around the world have evolved to survive in these intense climates.

The Roadrunner strolls and runs on the ground, only flying when absolutely necessary.

5. Roadrunner

They construct their nest with sticks, fixed with grass, leaves, feathers, now and then with snakeskin or bits of cow compost.

It can run at 15 mph, or likely quicker while pursuing a fast running reptile or other prey.

They nest in thick hedge, low tree, or cactus, generally 2-12′ over the ground

FAST FACTS:  Roadrunner

Scientific name: Geococcyx Weight: Roughly 10 ounces Gestation period: 20 days Life Span: 7-8 years  Diet: Lizards, snakes, seeds and berries (omnivorous)

The bones within the huge nose are complex and the nasal openings are fixed with hairs, organs, and mucous plots.

6. Saiga

This puzzling gag aids the saiga with heating up chilly winter air and channel out dust during the parched mid year months.

Naturally, they also have a fantastic sense of smell.

FAST FACTS:  Saiga

Scientific name: Saiga tatarica Weight: Roughly 90 pounds Gestation period: 148 days Life Span: 6-8 years  Diet: Grass, herbs and lichens (herbivorous)

The Antelope rabbit is a North American bunny named after the quick running eland.

7. Antelope Jackrabbit

They make their homes over the ground and lives in the deserts of southern Arizona and the northwest area of Mexico.

It prefers densely forested areas with lots of hiding spots.

FAST FACTS:  Antelope Jackrabbit

Scientific name: Lepus alleni Weight: 9 pounds Gestation period: 42 days Life Span: Up to 8 years Diet: Mainly grass (graminivores)

They're able to go long periods not drinking any water, getting their required dampness from their seed diet.

8. Merriam’s Kangaroo Rat

They have superb hearing and could distinguish the quiet sound of an owl drawing closer.

Their enormous back legs empower them to hop up to 9 feet in a single leap to get away from hunters; which is also their namesake.

FAST FACTS:  Merriam's Kangaroo Rat

Scientific name: Dipodomys merriami Weight: 1.3 ounces Gestation period: 31 days Life Span: 2-5 years Diet: Seeds, grasses and mesquite beans (herbivorous)

Like other desert animals, the sand feline has advanced to require next to no water.

9. Sand Cat

These felines are small and stocky, with short legs and a tail that is generally lengthy.

They are dauntless snake trackers and can even consume venomous snakes.

FAST FACTS:  Sand Cat

Scientific name: Felis margarita Weight: 6 pounds Gestation period: 64 days Life Span: 13 years in captivity (their life span in the wild is unknown, but definitely less) Diet: Rodents, insects, reptiles and spiders (carnivorous )

Did you know?

- That more than one fifth of planet Earth constitutes of desert?

- The largest desert is located in Norther Africa, namely the Sahara Desert.

- One of the driest deserts is the Atacama Desert in Chile.

- Despite the traditional perception of deserts, only 20% of them are covered in sand.

Desert-animals are a perfect example of how species have evolved to adapt to their environment and its harsh conditions.

Swipe up for the full story and more amazing facts!

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