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The Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) has lived in the Mojave for millions of years. They have evolved to survive in the harsh deserts of California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. These gentle creatures thrive in habitats where suitable soil for their dens are found, such as washes, canyons, sandy flats, and rocky alluvial fans. They spend 95% of their lives underground. Their diet consists mainly of wildflowers, grasses, and cacti. Tortoises can live 50 years or more in the wild, and much longer in captivity.
They reach reproduction age between 12- 20 years old. They mate in the spring, and lay 1 to 14 eggs in their underground dens. Females may store sperm for 5 years or more, and may not lay any eggs during years with low rainfall. The eggs hatch 90 to 180 days later, and small 2 inch tortoises emerge to the harsh life of the Mojave desert. Very few hatchlings survive to adulthood. Coyotes, Kit Fox, and raptors are a few of their natural predators.
Adult tortoises will grow to be 12 to 15 inches or more. Male and female tortoises are nearly indistinguishable to the naked eye until they are 15 to 20 years old. Due to habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, slow reproduction, and low survival rates the Desert Tortoise is federally protected under the Endangered Species Act with threatened status.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/desert_tortoise/dt/dt_life.html
Bats are the only flying mammal on earth. There are over a dozen species of bats found in the Mojave desert, and roughly 1,000 different species of bats found worldwide! Biologist separate this diverse worldwide group of winged mammals into two groups, megabats and microbats. Megabats are large fruit eating bats typically found in tropical environments. Microbats are smaller generally insect eating bats, although some have a very diverse diet of pollen, insects, fruits, and small reptiles.
The microbats found throughout the Mojave desert thrive on a diet of insects such as mosquitoes, moths, beetles, and scorpions. Using sound waves known as echolocation they are able to navigate and hunt in extremely low light. Some bats migrate and others hibernate through the winter to survive year round in the Mojave.
Although the characteristics of each species of bats vary greatly, they face many of the same threats. Bat populations are at risk due to, development, loss of habitat, climate change, and an infectious disease known as white-nose syndrome (WNS). Protection for bats vary widely, but all bats found in the Mojave are listed as a species of special concern. The Townsend big-ear bat and the Leaf-nosed bat found in California and Nevada are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
https://www.batcon.org/resources/for-specific-issues/bats-in-buildings
https://www.fws.gov/midwest/news/778.html
https://www.nps.gov/jotr/learn/nature/bats.htm
https://www.lcrmscp.gov/species/pale_townsend_big_eared.html
Desert Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) have unique adaptations to help them thrive in the Mojave desert. Complex digestive systems allow them to eat tough desert plants such as mesquite, catclaw, and even barrel cactus. Cloven hooves allow them to traverse the rocky mountain ranges throughout Utah, California, Nevada and Arizona.
Their impressive horns are made of keratin, just like your fingernails! Male bighorn sheep, known as rams, have distinctive horns that drastically curl as they age. Female bighorn sheep, known as ewes, have smaller and lighter horns that curl only slightly as they age. The horns continue to grow throughout their lives, developing rings like the growth of a tree. Older rams have been spotted using rocks to break off or file down their horn to keep an unobstructed view. Rams use their impressive horns to battle over territory and females. Both rams and ewes use their horns to break open the nutrient dense barrel cactus.
They breed between August and November, and after a 6 month pregnancy, their offspring, known as lambs, are born in the spring. The lambs, born one at a time, have less than 50% chance of surviving their first summer. Mountain lions, wolves, coyotes, bobcats, and golden eagles are a few of their natural predators.The Desert Bighorn Sheep population once estimated at 2 million in North America has dwindled to less than 70,000. They are extremely vulnerable to diseases introduced by grazing animals, as well as climate change, and habitat fragmentation. They are federally protected, and many repopulation efforts are being made across the West.
https://www.nps.gov/articles/desert-bighorn-sheep-living-life-on-the-edge.htm
Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum) is a unique venomous lizard only found in the Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan deserts of the southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico.They have bright yellow, orange, or pink and black markings along their bead-like scales. They are one or two venomous lizards found in Northern America. Unlike snakes which inject venom, the Gila monster bites down with its teeth and begins a chewing motion to secrete and distribute its neurotoxic venom into the wound. As you can imagine these bites are extremely painful to humans, but there has never been a reported human death.
Gila monsters are well adapted to the harsh environment of the Mojave. They spend up to 95% of their time in underground burrows. They can survive months between meals by storing fat in their robust tails. They leave their burrows only to feed and occasionally to bask in the sun. They are master scavengers and consist on a diet mainly of eggs stolen from nests, newborn mammals, carrion, frogs, and insects. They hunt through their sense of taste, and smell. Using powerful jaws, and biting motion they release a powerful neurotoxin into their prey’s bloodstream that disrupts the nervous system.
Gila monsters have very few natural predators. Habitat destruction is the largest threat to this fascinating species. They are considered near-threatened on the Endangered Species Act.
https://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/Gila%20Monster.php
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/g/gila-monster/
Raptors, also referred to as birds of prey, are a classification of carnivorous birds. Although there are many variations, all raptors have sharp eyesight, curved claws, known as talons, and curved beaks to help them hunt and feed. Due to loss of habitat, heat waves, and less rainfall the Mojave desert has seen a drastic drop in bird populations over the last decade.
In the past many agencies, scientists, and biologists have worked together to protect raptors. DDT and other related chemicals were found to cause reproductive problems, and thin egg shells. “Raptor-safe” construction practices and designs replaced power poles in non-urban areas to protect the large birds from being electrocuted. Today, all raptors are protected by the International Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/golden_eagle
https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2019-10-04/global-warming-mojave-desert-birds-water
https://www.britannica.com/animal/bird-of-prey
Red Tailed Hawk (Buteo Jamaicensis) are found throughout North America, and have adapted well to life in the Mojave desert. They can be found throughout the harsh desert landscapes and high mountain ranges. The male Red Tailed Hawk is roughly ⅓ of the size of the female, but they both have a distinct rust-colored tail that easy is spot.
They begin pairing up to build nests and mate in early spring. They lay clutches of 2 to 3 eggs which are incubated by the female for 28 to 32 days while the male hunts for them both. Hatchlings begin to fledge after around 45 days. With their extremely sharp eyesight, the Red Tailed Hawk hunts from high altitudes, on small mammals, reptiles, and occasionally other birds. They are protected under the International Migratory Bird Treaty Act
https://www.ndow.org/Species/Birds/Red-tailed_Hawk/
Common Raven (Corvus corax) are found throughout North America, and are an extremely clever and adaptable species. Ravens are opportunist eaters and have been so successful at adapting to human development and the harsh environments of the West that over the last 40 years their population has increased by more than 700 percent! Ravens are believed to have the most diverse diet of any bird species, they will eat anything from trash to other animals. Ravens have high intelligence, with impressive problem solving skills outpreforming apes and monkeys.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/07/ravens-problem-solving-smart-birds/#close
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/06/ravens-memory-unfair-trade/
They are considered invasive and a threat to desert tortoises, sage grouse, and many other Mojave species because they outcompete many species for food and water. They are experts at hunting eggs and young animals. Biologists have found up to 250 juvenile tortoise carcasses beneath one nest. Although ravens are protected by the International Migratory Bird Treaty Act there are some management practices being used to reduce numbers and protect threatened species.
https://www.audubon.org/news/the-common-raven-boom-rugged-west-isnt-necessarily-good-thing
https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-raven-killing-drone-protects-desert-tortoises-20190609-story.html
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a large hawk that is found on every continent except Antartica. They are incredible fishers and primary live off a diet of fish, and occasionally frogs, eels, and snakes. They nest in the spring along rivers, lakes and seaside shores in tall trees, power poles, and other structures.
During winter months they migrate long distances to Florida, Mexico, and South America. Osprey instinctively travel to the same breeding and wintering grounds year after year. Their migration path often passes over the Mojave desert. Osprey are protected by the International Migratory Bird Treaty Act and due to drastic drops in population is considered a Species of Special concern.
https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region_5/NWRS/Central_Zone/Montezuma/OspreyFacts.pdf
https://www.nps.gov/jotr/learn/nature/birds.htm
Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small owl found throughout North America and the Mojave. They are between 7.5 to 10 inches tall, with a wingspan of up to 24 inches. They thrive in the Mojave off of a diet of insects, rodents, and reptiles. They are most active during the day, and hunt by swooping down from perches or hopping and running along the ground.
Burrowing owls are found in dry open areas with low vegetation. They nest from mid-March through August. Twigs, and plant material in front of a burrow is a good sign of an active nest. Although burrowing owls are capable of digging a burrow using their sharp talons, they often utilize burrows created by ground squirrel, tortoise, or rodent burrows. These opportunistic birds have often been found using construction sites with uncovered pallets, pipes, and culverts as nesting sites. Burrowing owls numbers have been declining over the last 30 years. Burrowing owls are listed as a Species of Concern in Arizona, California, Florida, Montana, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. They are federally protected by the International Migratory Bird Treaty Act. They are also listed as Endangered in Canada, and Threatened in Mexico.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/nv_species/burrowing_owl.htm
https://burrowingowlconservation.org/burrowing_owl_facts/
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) is a large raptor commonly found throughout North America. They have featherless red heads and a pale curved beak. Their large 70 inch wingspan with distinct white tips can often be spotted soaring above roadways, farmlands, landfills, and construction sites. The majority of their feathers appear black from a distance, but are actually different shades of brown.
Turkey vultures have an exceptional sense of smell compared to other birds. Their diet consists mostly of fresh carrion, and decaying plant matter, but they occasionally will feed off live fish caught in drying up ponds, and live insects.
Turkey vultures pair up and mate in the spring, nesting in sheltered areas such as hollowed out trees and caves. They use little to no nesting material, and lay 1 to 3 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 34 to 41 days. The young are watched closely, and begin to fledge around 10 weeks. Turkey vultures are protected under the International Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
–https://www.fws.gov/refuge/willapa/wildlife_and_habitat/turkey_vulture.html
https://www.westernfieldornithologists.org/archive/V27/27(1)%20p0048-p0053.pdf
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/turkey_vulture/id#
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/turkey-vulture
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) is the world’s smallest falcon growing to be roughly the size of a robin.Kestrels are widespread throughout North America, preferring semi-open landscapes such as forest clearings, farmlands, and deserts. The populations found inhabiting the warmer climates, live there year-round. While Northern resident Kestrels migrate long distance South each winter. As they age, they tend to migrate less and less distances.
Kestrels prefer to nest in cavities, and will use dead tree snags, or openings in large cacti. They will also take advantage of abandoned magpie nests, cliffsides and nesting boxes.Kestrels lay between 4 to 7 eggs, which are incubated by both parents between 28 to 31 days. The young begin to fledge around 4 weeks.
The American Kestrel is so small it gets knocked around by the wind quite a bit. Rarely catching anything mid flight, it relies on sharp eyesight to spot its prey from above. They have a varied diet consisting of large insects, small mammals, birds, and reptiles. The American Kestrel is protected by the International Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/american-kestrel
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/id#
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is one of the largest birds in North America. They are most commonly found in the Northwestern states in partially open landscapes. They thrive in a variety of habitats including deserts, forests, tundra, farmland, and along rivers. The adults grow to have an impressive wingspan between 72 to 86 inches. Golden eagles have beautiful golden feathers along the back of its head and neck. Juveniles have small patches of white feathers along their wings and tail feathers. Interestingly, the golden eagle is one of only three raptors which have feathered legs.
With strong talons, and a powerful curved beak this large bird is a swift hunter. Their diet consists primarily jackrabbits, and other small mammals, and reptiles.They have been spotted aggressively defending their nests and young by attacking surprising large mammals such as coyotes, deer, and domestic livestock. Golden eagles are federally protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/golden_eagle
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden_Eagle/id
https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/laws-legislations/bald-and-golden-eagle-protection-act.php
Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) are found in fairly dry climates throughout western North America. Most adult Prairie Falcons are year-round residents at their nesting sites, but some will migrate short distances South or East during the winter months.
An opportunistic hunter with a varied diet, the Prairie Falcon often focus on one abundantly available prey at a time. For instance, their diet consists mainly fledgling songbirds in the spring, and ground squirrels during the summer months. They thrive off of a variety of birds, small mammals, reptiles, and insects.
Prairie Falcon prefers to nest on ledges and cliff sides with a protective overhang. They will sometimes take advantage of abandoned raven or hawk’s nest. Using very little to no nesting material the female will lay between 2 to 6 eggs per clutch, and stay incubating the eggs for roughly 31 days. During incubation, the male bird will hunt for the pair, and temporarily incubate the eggs while the female is eating. The young begin to fly around 4 weeks. Prairie Falcon are protected by the International Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
https://birdsna.org/Species-Account/bna/species/prafal/introduction
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/prairie-falcon
https://www.ndow.org/uploadedFiles/ndoworg/Content/Nevada_Wildlife/Animals/Fact_Sheets/nvfrogs_toads.pdf
Peterson Field Guides: Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Third edition. Robert C. Stebbins. 2003.
Amargosa Toad (Bufo nelsoni) are found exclusively in a 10-mile stretch of the Amargosa River and upland springs of Nevada. Amargosa toads may live up to 12 years in the wild. They are most active at night, and spend the days sheltered in burrows or dense vegetation. They thrive off of a diet of insects including spiders, and scorpions.
Not much is known about their behaviors. Due to loss of habitat from degradation, pollution, and water diversion the Amargosa Toad is listed as a species of special concern by the IUCN, and classified as a protected amphibian by the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/nv_species/amargosa_toad.html
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/nv_species/documents/amargosa_toad/cca_amargosa_toad.pdf
Relict leopard frog (Rana onca) was thought to have gone extinct in 1950, until populations were discovered in Nevada in the 1990’s. Little is known about the distribution and habits of this elusive frog. They are believed to inhabit year-round streams, springs, and shorelines throughout Nevada. They have been found in Lake Mead and along the Muddy River in Nevada and Arizona. They may have once inhabited the Colorado River as well.
The Relict leopard frog is struggling to survive due to loss of habitat from dams, agriculture, pollution, and water development projects. The spread of bullfrogs, crayfish, predatory fish, and a fungal disease known as chytridiomycosis are also threatening to outcompete the native species. The Relict leopard frog is federally listed as a species of special concern by the IUCN, and a candidate for listing as an endangered species.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/protected_species/amphibians/species/relict_leopard_frog.html
https://www.nps.gov/para/learn/nature/relict-leopard-frog.htm
American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is the largest frog found in the United States. It is native to Central and Eastern United States, but was introduced into the Western states in the 1900’s through trout stocking, as a food source, and poorly planned pest control efforts.
American bullfrogs are found in warm aquatic marshes, ponds, lakes, or streams. They are said to eat anything that fits in their mouths, including snakes, insects, birds, frogs, tadpoles, and even their own young. It takes between 2 to 3 years for an egg to metamorphose and grow from egg to tadpole to fully grown adult.
In the areas where bullfrogs have been introduced they have few natural predators, and often prey on and outcompetes native species. Frogs native to the West lay between 2,000 to 5,000 eggs, while a female American bullfrog can lay up to 20,000 eggs at a time. Because of their high reproduction rates and lack of natural predators they are on the invasive species list in many different states including Nevada, California, and Arizona.
https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/profile/bullfrog
https://seagrant.oregonstate.edu/sites/seagrant.oregonstate.edu/files/bf-species-guide.pdf
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Species/Bullfrog
https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=71
Arizona toad (Bufo microscaphus) is a small toad which inhabits riparian areas throughout central Arizona, New Mexico, along the Colorado river, and where Arizona, Nevada, and Utah meet.
There is little known about the behaviors or eating habits of the Arizona toad. They are noturnal, and spend most of their days in sandy underground burrows. It is believed they reach mating age between 2 to 3 years old. They do not migrate, so it’s presumed they hibernate from September to February or March. Once the conditions are right, in spring to early summer, they will mate and lay an average of 4,500 eggs.
Arizona toad populations are threatened by loss and degradation of habitat due to damming and other human activities. In areas of the Beaver Dam wash and Virgin river a new hybrid species has been observed. It appears the Arizona toad has been reproducing with Woodhouse toads. They are currently listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN.
https://www.californiaherps.com/frogs/pages/a.microscaphus.html
https://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-genus=Anaxyrus&where-species=microscaphus
Woodhouse’s toads (Bufo woodhousii) have adapted to live in many different environments. They have been found thriving in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, North and South Dakota, Utah, Colorado,Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona to Mexico.
Hybridization between Woodhouse’s toads has been documented in a wide variety of riparian habitats across the United States. They will mate with many other species of toads including, Sonoran Desert toads (B. alvarius) and Great Plains toads (B. cognatus), American toads (B. americanus), Arizona toads, red-spotted toads, and many others.
Feeding off of a variety of insects including scorpions, spiders, ants, larvea, and bees. The Woodhouse’s toad reaches sexually maturity between 1 to 2 years old. The female can lay over 28,000 eggs per clutch. The Woodhouse toad is one of the only native species that thrives alongside the invasive bullfrog. They are listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN.
https://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-genus=Anaxyrus&where-species=woodhousii
https://www.reptilesofaz.org/Turtle-Amphibs-Subpages/h-a-woodhousii.html
Great Basin Spadefoot Toad (Spea intermontana) is found primarily in sagebrush and semi-desert shrublands throughout Western North America, including British Columbia, Canada, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Idaho, Colorado, and Wyoming.
Mainly living on land, their diet consists largely of ants and beetles. They must migrate from dirt burrows to rain filled pools, streams or springs to mate. The migration typically coincides with spring and summer rains. Females lay between 300 to 800 eggs per clutch. It is estimated that they reach sexually maturity between 1 to 2 years old. Although their life span is not known for sure, it is estimated the Great Basin Spadefoot Toad may survive 11 to 13 years in the wild.
The Great Basin Spadefoot Toad populations thrive where conditions are suitable, and they are listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN. However numbers have declined in areas where habitat loss and degradation has occurred, and they are listed as a species of special concern in Colorado.
https://amphibiaweb.org/species/5280
Tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) is found in many different habitats throughout North America. Although populations are steady in many regions, Tiger salamanders have seen dramatic losses over the last 40 years. During the 1980’s and early 1990’s populations of Tiger salamander were believed to have dropped by up to 65% by habitat degradation caused by agricultural pesticides.
Adult Tiger Salamanders inhabit a wide variety of environments, and can be either aquatic or terrestrial. Those that live on land use their front limbs to burrow or utilize abandoned burrows, and spend much of their time underground to remain moist. Those that live in water require fishless ponds and permanent bodies of water.
They feed off a variety of small invertebrates, from insect larvae to field mice. They may live 16 to 25 years in the wild. They make short migrations to breeding sites where hundreds of salamanders may gather. Females lay a wide range of eggs anywhere from 38 to 7,631 have been observed in a clutch. Dependent on water temperature eggs will hatch between 6.5 to 21 days.
Tiger salamanders are sensitive to PH changes, and are currently listed as an Endangered Species in Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland. They are also protected in Arizona, and listed as a Species of Special Concern in North and South Carolina. They are listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN.
https://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-genus=Ambystoma&where-species=tigrinum&account=lannoo
Red-spotted toad (Bufo punctatus) is a small toad found in freshwater riparian areas throughout South Western states, and Mexico. Adults grow between 1.5 to 3 inches long, eating a wide variety of insects and invertebrates. They reach sexually maturity between 3 to 4 years.
The Red-spotted toad is most active at night. It remains underground or resting at the edge of pools during the day. They reproduce externally between March to September. The female lays up to 5,000 eggs at a time in water, and the male fertilizes them shortly afterwards. The Red-spotted toad is the only toad in North America known to lay eggs separately in this way. Most toads lay eggs in a sticky string where they cling together. The eggs hatch within 72 hours in water temperatures between 72° F and 96° F (14° C and 35° C)
Red-spotted toads are active when average temperatures reach 65° F, they are presumed to hibernate in burrows during the winter months. They have been found to mate and hybridize with other toads including the Woodhouse’s and California Toad. They are considered a native species in California, and are being monitored but they are not listed currently listed by the IUCN or protected.
https://www.californiaherps.com/frogs/pages/a.punctatus.html#description
https://eol.org/pages/332429
Great Plains Toad (Anaxyrus cognatus) is found in grasslands, desert-scrub, and riparian areas throughout the Great Plains, and Western United States. Their range extends into Canada, and Mexico.
They are excellent diggers and may create new burrows every 1 to 6 days during the active seasons. They are most active at night, and spend most of their days in burrows. It is believed they spend up to 77% of the year underground, and emerge to breed during spring rains. Once they reach breeding age, between 2 to 5 years old, the Great Plains Toad will make short migrations, up to 1,300 meters, from their wintering burrows to a water source. The amount of eggs laid per clutch varies greatly depending on the size of the female. However, she can lay multiple clutches each breeding season.
Great Plains Toads survive on a variety of insects, and small invertebrates. Studies indicate they may live 10 years or more in the wild. It is difficult to monitor the range and population of these animals because of the amount of time they spend underground. The Great Plains Toad is currently listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, and receives no federal protections.
https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=773516#null
https://amphibiaweb.org/species/145
https://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-genus=Anaxyrus&where-species=cognatus&account=lannoo
Pacific treefrog (Pseudacris regilla) is a very small frog native to the Mojave river system. It has adapted to a variety of habitats and has been found thriving in forests, grasslands, desert washes, ponds, and urban areas. They grow to be ¼ inch to 2 inches long.
The Pacific treefrog can quickly change colors in response to its environment. Typically from brown to green or vice versa to avoid predators.They are mostly active at night, but during the breeding season will also feed during the day. They eat a variety of invertebrates, and mostly flying insects.
They reach breeding age within their first year, and will seek water to reproduce. Females lay between 400 to 750 eggs each season in irregular clusters of 10 to 80 eggs each. Once the male fertilizes the eggs externally, the adults leave the water. The eggs hatch within 2 to 3 weeks, and are quite resilient against UV rays and freezing temperatures. The Pacific treefrog is not currently listed or protected.
https://www.californiaherps.com/frogs/pages/p.regilla.html
https://www.nps.gov/moja/learn/nature/amphibians.htm
California Treefrog (Pseudacris cadaverina) is a native species found throughout the Mojave desert. Growing to be just 1 to 2 inches long, they are found in riparian areas surrounding the Santa Monica Mountains, Joshua Tree National Park, and Baja California.
Mostly active at night they feed on a variety of insects and invertebrates including spiders and centipedes. They don’t spend much of their time in water outside of breeding season. The California Treefrog reaches sexual maturity at two years old. Mating and egg-laying occur in the spring and fall. Females lay between 400 to 750 eggs singly, but they tend to stick together in clusters of 10 to 80. Males fertilize the eggs externally.
California tree frogs and Pacific tree frogs inhabit the same environments, so breeding and hybridization is quite probable. There have been no declines in populations or concerns, so this species is not listed or protected.
https://www.nps.gov/samo/learn/nature/californiatreefrog.htm
https://www.nps.gov/moja/learn/nature/amphibians.htm
–https://www.dri.edu/images/stories/conferences_and_workshops/spring-fed-wetlands/spring-fed-wetlands-bradford.pdf
https://ovlc.org/baja-california-treefrog/
Amargosa niterwort (Nitrophila mohavensis) found only in Amargosa Valley, Nevada and Southern parts of California. This small perennial plant prefers salty alkaline clay like soil. Due to habitat degradation and loss from development and agriculture this plant is protected by the Endangered Species Act.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/protected_species/plants/species/amargosa_niterwort.html
Ash Meadows Blazing Star (Mentzelia leucophylla) is endemic to Ash Meadows, Nevada. This rare plant only occurs in dry salty, sandy, and clay soils along washes and alkali mounds. It flowers from June to September with delicate yellow flowers.
Due to habitat degradation and loss from development this plant is categorized as Threatened on the Endangered Species Act. They are fully protected in Nevada as Endangered.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/protected_species/plants/species/am_blazing_star.html
https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=MELE3
https://plants.usda.gov/java/threat?stateSelect=US32&statelist=states
Ash Meadows gumplant (Grindelia fraxino-pratensis) is a rare perennial flowering herb found in roughly a 2,260 acre area between Ash Meadows, Nevada and Inyo County California. It thrives in saltgrass meadows and riparian areas.
Due to habitat loss and degradation from agricultural and water development this plant is categorized as Threatened, and is protected in Nevada.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/protected_species/plants/species/am_gumplant.html
Ash Meadows ivesia (Ivesia eremica (Ivesia kingii eremica)) is found only in Nevada in salty and clay-like soils. Belonging to the Rosaceae family, this perennial blooms delicate white flowers in late summer and early fall. Little is known about this plant’s reproduction or life cycles.
Due to habitat loss and degradation from development this plant is listed as Threatened, and is protected in Nevada.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/protected_species/plants/species/am_ivesia.html
Ash Meadows milkvetch (Astragalus phoenix) is found only in hard saline clay flats and slopes along the Amargosa river drainage, Ash Meadows, and Southeastern Inyo County, California. It is a low, flowering perennial with delicate pink to purple flowers that forms small mats along the desert floor.
Due to habitat loss and degradation from development this plant is listed as Threatened, and is protected in Nevada.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/protected_species/plants/species/am_milkvetch.html
Ash Meadows sunray (Enceliopsis nudicaulis var. corrugata) is a rare variety of E. nudicaulis endemic to Nevada, and Ash Meadows. This perennial herb related to the daisy, is sometimes called “naked-stemmed daisy.” It has tall yellow flowers stemming from a woody base with green-gray hairy leaves.
Due to habitat loss and degradation from development this plant is listed as Threatened, and is protected in Nevada.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/protected_species/plants/species/am_sunray.html
Steamboat buckwheat (Eriogonum ovalifolium var. williamsiae) is a rare perennial found only in hot spring deposits in the Steamboat Hills or the Sierra Nevada range. Habitat studies determined this plant may be restricted to an area of 375 acres.
Steamboat buckwheat was listed as an Endangered Species in 1986 for its vulnerability to habitat degradation from off-road use, development, and mining activity. It continues to be monitored and federally protected today.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/protected_species/plants/species/steamboat_buckwheat.html
Spring-loving centaury (Centaurium namophilum) is an annual flowering plant found in moist to wet clay soils in Ash Meadows, Nevada. Little is known about its reproductive or life cycle. It has delicate pink flowers and is often found alongside the Ash Meadows Gumplant.
Due to habitat loss and degradation from development this plant is federally listed as Threatened, and is protected in Nevada.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/protected_species/plants/species/spring-loving_centaury%20.html
Ute ladies’-tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis) are found in stable wetland and seep areas with high water tables. They have been found in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. This delicate perineal orchid blooms in late July through August.
Due to habitat loss and degradation from development, and slow reproduction rate, this plant is federally listed as Threatened, and is protected in Nevada.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/protected_species/plants/species/ute_ladies_tresses.html
Webber’s ivesia (Ivesia webberi) are found only in rocky clay soils along mid elevation flats between 4,475 and 6,237 feet. Related to the rose family, this low growing perennial, bloom with delicate yellow flowers May through June. They are believed to be endemic to Washoe and Douglas Counties in Nevada, and Lassen, Plumas and Sierra Counties, in California.
Due to habitat loss and degradation from development, and slow reproduction rate, this plant is federally listed as Threatened, and is protected in Nevada.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/nv_species/webber_ivesia.html
Churchill Narrows buckwheat (Eriogonum diatomaceum) occurs in rare dry and undisturbed clay to silty diatomaceous deposits in elevations of 1,300 to 1,410 meters. Their only known occurrence is in the Churchill Narrows area of Lyon County, Nevada. Little is known about this plant’s life cycle or needs.
Due to habitat loss and degradation from development, grazing, and off-road use, this plant is currently a candidate for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. It is protected in Nevada.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/nv_species/cn_buckwheat.html
Goose Creek Milkvetch (Astragalus Anserinus) is a rare plant in the Astragulus family. Its only known occurrence is along the Goose Creek drainage of Cassia County, Idaho; Elko County, Nevada; and Box Elder County, Utah. Little is known about this plant’s life cycle, or needs.
Due to habitat loss and degradation from invasive non-native plants, grazing, and off-road use, this plant is currently a candidate for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. It is protected in Nevada.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/nv_species/gc_milkvetch.html
Las Vegas buckwheat (Eriogonum corymbosum var. nilesii) is a woody perennial shrub found in gypsum soils in the Las Vegas Valley, Gold Butte, and Muddy Mountains. The taxonomy of Las Vegas buckwheat was determined in 2006, and so there is not much information available on the life cycle, or needs of this plant, nor any way to determine the historical range.
Due to habitat loss and degradation from invasive non-native plants, grazing, and off-road use, this plant is currently a candidate for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. It is protected in Nevada.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/nv_species/lv_buckwheat.html
Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) is an old growth conifer capable of living 1,000 years or more. It is one of five stone pines worldwide, and is the only species found in North America. The name stone pine refers to the species hardy stone like seeds. It is found in high elevations in Western North America, from British Columbia, and Alberta Canada through Wyoming, Montana, Idohao, Nevada, California, Oregon, and Washington.
The Whitebark pine is vulnerable to habitat loss, climate change, wildfires and infestation from White Pine Blister Rust, and mountain pine beetles. This plant is currently a candidate for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. It is protected in Nevada.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/nv_species/whitebark_pine.html
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/protected_species/plants/plants.html
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Plants-and-Animals
Desert Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis arsipus) is a small mammal related to dogs, found throughout open desert landscapes, and creosote scrub land throughout the Mojave desert. They are well adapted to harsh desert life, with large paws which allow them to navigate sand easily, and large ears which allow them to listen for prey miles away, conserving energy. Their ears are also said to help them control their inner body temperature.
The desert kit fox is nocturnal, spending its days underground in elaborate burrows. Their burrows range from 3 m to 6 meters deep, and have multiple entrances. They typically have multiple burrows within their home range. Their only known predators are coyote and golden eagles.
Hunting and navigating primarily by smell, similar to dogs, they are almost entirely carnivorous. They have little need to drink water as their digestive systems can utilize every ounce of water from their food. They hunt other nocturnal mammals, and thrive primarily on kangaroo rats.
Kit foxes reach sexual maturity around 18 months, and pair up to mate between October and January. A liter of 4 to 5 pups are born after a pregnancy of 6 to 7 weeks. The female nurses and cares for the young 24 hours a day until they are weaned. Kit foxes may live up to 8 years in the wild.
Kit fox are threatened by habitat development, ranching and grazing practices. They are currently listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN. The Center for Biological Diversity has petitioned the State of California to protect this animal under the California Endangered Species act.
https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/mammals/desert_kit_fox/index.html
https://www.nps.gov/jotr/learn/nature/kitfox.htm
https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41587/62259374
San Joaquin Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) is a small mammal related to dogs, found throughout annual grasslands, and creosote scrub landscapes throughout California’s San Joaquin Valley. Their home range once extended through Kern County to eastern Contra
Costa County and to Stanislaus County, but as the land was developed and the habitat fragmented, the San Joaquin Fox lost roughly 94% of its habitat.
The San Joaquin fox are most active at night, and spend their days and winters in dens. Much of the habitat loss has occurred due to agricultural development and soil degradation. Each fox may use multiple burrows within their home range of 1 to 12 miles. Their only known predators are red and grey foxes, coyotes and bobcats. Large raptors may compete with them for food.
Hunting and navigating primarily by smell, similar to dogs, their diet includes ground squirrels, mice, kangaroo rats, San Joaquin antelope squirrels, rabbits, ground-nesting birds, insects, and some grass.
San Joaquin foxes reach sexual maturity around 12 months, and pair up to mate between December to March.. The female nurses and cares for the young 24 hours a day until they are weaned. Kit foxes may live up to 8 years in the wild.
Due to habitat development, ranching and grazing practices this animal has been listed as Endangered since 1967, and is federally protected.
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2013-08/documents/san-joaquin-kitfox.pdf
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/protected_species/birds/birds.html
Yuma Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris yumanensis) are found in freshwater and alkali marshes through the Southwestern states along the Colorado river, Salton Sea, Virgin River and lower Muddy River, along the Colorado River around Lake Mohave, and in the Las Vegas Wash.
Some birds may migrate to Mexico during the winter months.
Yuma Clapper Rails mate for life. Once they pair up they share the responsibilities of incubating the eggs and raising the young. Females lay between 7 to 11 eggs each breeding season. The young begin flying around 10 weeks. The hunt using their sharp beak to probe sanding beaches for insects, crayfish, clams, small fish and various invertebrates.
Due to habitat loss and degradation of aquatic environments the Yuma Clapper Rail has been listed on the Endangered Species Act since 1967.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/protected_species/birds/species/yucr.html
Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) are found in riparian areas throughout the Southwestern states along the Virgin, Colorado, and Muddy Rivers. They have been observed in California,New Mexico, Southern Nevada and Utah, Western Texas, and Northwestern Mexico.
Southwestern Willow Flycatchers build small nests, laying 2 to 5 eggs each season. They are in great decline because of mismanagement of riparian areas. Due to habitat loss and degradation from overgrazing, recreational development, and water projects the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher has been on the Endangered Species List since 1995.
https://www.fws.gov/nevada/protected_species/birds/species/swwf.html
Greater Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is a large ground dwelling bird found in sagebrush habitat throughout the Western United States and Canada in elevations ranging from 4,000 to 9,000 feet. They have been observed in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, South Dakota, North Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, New Mexico, Arizona, and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Greater sage-grouse have apparently disappeared from Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
The incredible mating ritual of the Sage Grouse occurs between February and May. The males congregate and dance, puffing up their chests to display their fitness to the females. Once paired, they nest on the ground to lay eggs under sagebrush or in grassy areas.
They eat a varied diet of plants and insects, and may live up to 10 years in the wild. The Greater Sage Grouse was a candidate for listing as and Endangered Species, but was not found to be at risk for extinction. Monitoring and repopulation efforts continue in many states.
https://www.fws.gov/greatersagegrouse/PDFs/GreaterSageGrouseCanon_FINAL_Rollout.pdf
https://www.fws.gov/greatersagegrouse/speciesinfo.php
https://www.fws.gov/greatersagegrouse/nevada.php
https://www.fws.gov/greatersagegrouse/findings.php
Wildlife biologists are scientists that specialize in the health, behavior, or role of an animal species or ecosystem. They are often trained to conduct health and population studies to monitor the conservation efforts of critical habitat and threatened species.
Wildlife biologist is an umbrella term, as most become specialized in one species or ecosystem. For instance, wildlife biologists who study birds are known as Ornithologists, while wildlife biologists who study sea life are known as Oceanographers.
Wildlife biologists often work in teams to monitor many species of plants and animals. Here in the Mojave desert, fragmentation, and loss of habitat and resources caused by invasive species, energy projects, housing development, water diversion, and agriculture projects have placed many species under conservation projects.
https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/wildlife-biologist
